Delhi pollution Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has issued a qualified apology to residents of the national capital over its worsening air quality, stating that no elected government can completely reduce pollution levels within nine to ten months.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Sirsa acknowledged public anger over hazardous air conditions but largely attributed the crisis to policies of the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
“I would like to apologise to the people of Delhi and state that it is not possible for any elected government to completely reduce pollution levels within 9–10 months,” Sirsa said, describing the pollution emergency as an inherited problem rather than a failure of the current administration.
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Blame on previous government
The environment minister criticised the former AAP government, claiming his administration had made measurable improvements.
“We are doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day. This disease of pollution is given to us by the AAP, and we are working to fix it,” Sirsa said.
His comments came amid growing public frustration, particularly after scenes at Arun Jaitley Stadium where Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was booed during the arrival of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi.
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Public anger overshadows celebrations
As the Chief Minister welcomed Messi, sections of the crowd repeatedly chanted “AQI, AQI”, drawing attention to the city’s toxic air instead of the celebratory event.
The protests continued throughout the programme, and Rekha Gupta was booed as she exited the stadium. Dense fog also delayed Messi’s chartered flight, which was scheduled to arrive at 10.45 am but landed only at 2.30 pm.
Current air quality situation
Delhi’s air quality remained in the severe category for three consecutive days before showing slight improvement on Tuesday.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 378 at 9 am, improving marginally from 427 recorded on Monday evening, which fell in the severe range.
Government measures highlighted
Attempting to underline the government’s efforts, Sirsa said pollution levels had improved month by month, though he reiterated that meaningful reductions could not be achieved in under a year.
He said daily measures were being taken, including reducing the height of landfill sites by 15 metres and reclaiming 45 acres of land.
Sirsa added that 62 pollution hotspots had been identified across the city, with 13 showing lower pollution levels compared to last year.
Steps to curb emissions
The minister said 3,427 electric buses had been deployed to reduce vehicular emissions and that non-Delhi private vehicles below BS-VI standards had been banned from entering the city.
He also announced a ban on the movement of building materials within Delhi and warned of strict action against violators.
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Vehicles without valid or updated pollution under control certificates would be denied fuel, with petrol pumps monitored through camera surveillance.
Sirsa’s remarks came a day after Delhiites expressed their anger over hazardous air quality, when sections of the crowd at Arun Jaitley Stadium booed and chanted “AQI, AQI” as Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed Argentine football star Lionel Messi, overshadowing the celebration with protests over Delhi’s pollution.
Penalties and enforcement
Sirsa said penalties totalling Rs 9 crore had been imposed on polluting industries.
He added that the government had distributed 10,000 heaters to reduce emissions from wood burning and had directed banquet halls to regulate the use of DJs to limit noise and air pollution.
Despite these measures, the minister’s remarks made it clear that Delhi residents should not expect a quick fix, reinforcing the government’s position that the pollution crisis requires long-term solutions rather than immediate results.
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