Delhi Chief Minister Atishi expressed serious concerns about the worsening air quality in the cityaccusing the Center and the BJP of inaction. Stubble burning is rampant in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, UP and Rajasthan but the central government remains passive, the Delhi chief minister said, stressing that it is the central government’s responsibility to find a nationwide solution to the stubble burning crisis.

Addressing the media, she highlighted the suffering Delhi residents are facing, saying, “People are struggling to breathe. Last night, we received numerous calls – some rushing elderly family members to hospitals, while others sought steroids for their children.”

“North India is facing a health emergency today, with cities in the region recording ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ AQI levels.

Giving data on stubble burning, she admitted that Punjab has made significant progress in reducing such incidents to 8,404 this year, while cases of stubble burning have increased in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

“There is a 60% increase in stubble burning cases in Uttar Pradesh, while Madhya Pradesh currently has the highest rate of stubble burning with over 700 incidents reported daily,” said Atishi.

“In the last six to seven years, incidents of stubble burning have increased across the country,” Atishi said. “If Punjab can achieve 80% reduction, why can’t other states achieve? Hospitals in northern Indian cities are overwhelmed. The central government must stop playing politics and take decisive action.”

Atishi asked the BJP and the central government to understand that “pollution does not recognize state borders or political affiliations. It affects every child whether he belongs to an AAP or BJP family.”

She called for immediate action to address what she called a “medical emergency,” calling on the government to step up rather than just engage in political rhetoric.

Commenting on BJP’s distribution of masks in Delhi, Atishi said, “Instead of getting involved in politics, the central government should focus on real solutions.”

She pointed out that cities like Bahadurgarh, Patna, Lucknow and Bhiwani are also facing severe pollution levels.

“Is Delhi government responsible for stubble burning in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh where BJP is in power?” she asked, stressing that it is the central government’s responsibility to find a nationwide solution to the stubble burning crisis.