• Source:JND

The issue of rising air pollution across Indian cities, especially in Delhi, is finally expected to get Parliament's attention as Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday said that the government is ready to discuss it, and the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) can allot time for the same.

Rijiju's statement came after a persistent push by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. On Friday, Gandhi again raised the issue of air pollution in major cities of the country and sought a discussion on it in the Lok Sabha.

Gandhi raised the issue during Zero Hour, suggesting that the discussion on the issue can be framed in an interesting manner where the opposition and the government do not trade abuses at each other, but find a solution to the problem.

Gandhi said, "This is not an ideological issue. Everybody in this House would agree that air pollution, the damage it is doing to our people, is something that we would like to cooperate on."

The Congress MP further added that the prime minister can then put in place a plan to deal with the issue of air pollution.

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"Most of our major cities are living under a blanket of poisonous air. Millions of children are getting lung disease. Their future is being destroyed. People are getting cancer. Older people are struggling to breathe," Gandhi added.

Reacting to it, Rijiju said, "The issue raised by Rahul Gandhi was also brought to notice in the Business Advisory Committee. From Day 1, the government has made it clear that it is ready to discuss all important matters and find solutions, taking along suggestions from the Opposition. We will see how we can take up this discussion. We will come back and let us see how we can structure this discussion. We are ready to take up this matter".

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Congress leader and Wayanad MP, Priyanka Gandhi, also stressed on the need for discussion on the crucial issue of air pollution. She said, "I completely agree, and I think everyone agrees. The government also said we should all discuss it and develop an action plan. It is increasing every year. We discuss all other topics, so this should also be discussed and something concrete should come out of it. If the government makes a good action plan and takes it forward, it will be great."

(With PTI Inputs)


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