• Source:JND

Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Samajwadi Party MP RK Chaudhary made a bizarre remark on worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR and other cities, saying the 'Holika Dahan' (during the Holi festival) and burning of pyre used for cremation in funeral rites in the Hindu religion cause air pollution. Asserting that only planting trees won't help, people should rethink Hindu rituals that emit carbon dioxide and consume a large amount of Oxygen.

The Member of Parliament said, "When bodies are burnt, they release carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and it burns oxygen in the atmosphere. Even during the lighting of fire on Holika Dahan, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide are released. Our country is not serious about air pollution. This is not about religion but the environment. During Holi, the bonfires are torched at least at 5 crore places, which also pollute the air."

BJP Hits Back At Chaudhary

Slamming Chaudhary for his remark on Hindu rites, BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar asked why he is advocating for bury human bodies in the grave, will it not cause pollution? "RK Choudhary, who is talking about the grave, we feel that he has completely put on a deceitful hat. Now, whatever he is saying about going to the grave, he himself wants to go there. Going to the grave causes pollution, not the act of burning. When one goes to the grave, it occupies land; the land is not being used properly. The same final rites that are performed in Hindu culture involve adding ghee, which helps to purify the environment," he added.

Air Quality Remains 'Very Poor'

Meanwhile, early morning visibility was low in parts of the national capital on Friday due to a thick layer of smog and haze, with mercury levels settling at 9 degree Celsius. Delhi's air remained in the 'very poor' category, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 382, edging closer to the 'severe' category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's SAMEER app, out of 40 air quality monitoring stations across the city, 14 recorded severe air quality while 26 were in the very poor category. Vivek Vihar recorded the worst air quality with an AQI of 434, the data showed. As per the Central Pollution Control Board's classification, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor and 401 to 500 severe.
(With agencies inputs)


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