Press one for conferences

Today, as I pen this article, my city stands cloaked in a dense and grey shroud of smog T and unfulfilled promises. This ritual of waking up to grey winter mornings has become an unwelcome norm, with each year worse than the last. Every year, Delhiites endure the endless press conferences from the chief minister of the AAP government, yet any tangible solution to this pollution crisis remains elusive.

- BANSURI SWARAJ

Delhi has tragically earned the title of one of the most polluted cities in the world. This winter the air quality index of the city has consistently exceeded 400 μg/m³, reaching a record high of 500 µg/m³. With Diwali firecrackers off the table as an excuse, the AAP government seems at a loss, scrambling to justify its inactions. Chief Minister Atishi held several press conferences, an exercise she seems to excel at, and sought to cast blame elsewhere but failed to offer either accountability or solutions.

Before March 2022, Arvind Kejriwal frequently held press conferences, blaming the stubble burning in Punjab for the pollution crisis in Delhi. His assurance was clear: If the AAP ruled Punjab, the issue would be resolved. Now, in the second winter since the AAP formed government in Punjab, both farm fires and Delhi's pollution have only worsened.