With air pollution worsening in Delhi, including Okhla, residents have raised their voices to get the issue addressed at priority basis. In a fresh letter written to Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan, activist Aarfa Khanam, who is also a Congress leader, has asked for urgent need to address air pollution and its adverse effects on the health of Okhla residents. Aarfa has written letter to Amanatullah and raised four important points.
She writes: “I am writing to you in my capacity as the Joint Secretary of the All India Mahila Congress and as a concerned resident of Okhla. The deteriorating air quality in our constituency has reached alarming levels, posing severe risks to the health and well-being of our citizens, especially children and senior citizens.
“The prevalence of dust and other pollutants has made Okhla one of the most hazardous places to live in Delhi. Despite repeated assurances, no significant measures have been undertaken to control this growing menace. This failure to address such a critical issue is not just an environmental lapse but a governance failure that reflects poorly on your tenure as the elected representative of this constituency.
“Children are increasingly suffering from respiratory ailments, and senior citizens are battling chronic health issues due to the unclean air they are forced to breathe. As a responsible leader, it is your primary duty to ensure the safety and health of Okhla’s residents. I urge you to take the following immediate steps:
1. Regular Water Sprinkling: Implement daily water sprinkling on roads, construction sites, and other dust-prone areas to curb particulate matter in the air.
2. Pollution Mitigation Measures: Ensure strict monitoring and regulation of construction activities and provide adequate facilities for waste disposal to prevent further pollution.
3. Community Engagement: Launch awareness campaigns to involve citizens in fighting pollution and ensuring a cleaner environment.
4. Green Initiatives: Invest in planting trees and creating green zones to serve as natural air purifiers.
“The worsening conditions in Okhla demand immediate action. Inaction on this issue will not only jeopardise public health but also erode the trust citizens have placed in their elected representative.
“We, as residents of Okhla, deserve better. I, along with the All India Mahila Congress and other concerned citizens, will continue to monitor the situation closely and hold you accountable for implementing these necessary measures. Your commitment to resolving this issue will speak volumes about your leadership and dedication to the welfare of Okhla.”
Following increase in pollution, the Delhi Government has already pulled out all stops to reduce air pollution in Delhi. Chief Minister Atishi has directed stringent implementation of GRAP-4 restrictions.
Entry of trucks from outside Delhi is to be banned, with exemptions only for CNG, electric, BS-VI diesel vehicles, and those providing essential goods and services. Delhi Environment Minister has instructed for complete ban on construction and demolition work in Delhi imposed.
