Leaders from various opposition parties have strongly criticized the Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), for a recent tender to purchase 15 air purifiers for the Secretariat building. This move comes at a time when Delhi’s air quality has consistently been in the “very poor” category, a situation exacerbated by Diwali celebrations and the subsequent spike in pollution levels. The Supreme Court’s decision to allow limited firecracker usage, at the Delhi government’s request, has also drawn criticism in light of the ongoing air crisis.
The tender specifies the supply and installation of 15 air purifiers across various locations within the Delhi Secretariat, with an estimated cost of approximately ₹5.5 lakh. Opposition figures, including Saurabh Bhardwaj (former Delhi health minister), Mahua Moitra (TMC MP), and Shama Mohamed (Congress spokesperson), have voiced their disapproval on social media platforms and public statements.
Opposition Condemns Government’s Priorities
Saurabh Bhardwaj of the AAP questioned the decision, stating on X, “The BJP government in Delhi is installing air purifiers in ministry offices.” Sanjeev Jha of the AAP further elaborated, expressing concern that while ministers’ rooms are being made pollution-free, ordinary citizens, including the elderly and children, are left to inhale toxic air.
Mahua Moitra of the TMC also took to X, commenting, “Meanwhile Delhi government ordering 15 air purifiers for Rekha Gupta & team at taxpayers’ money.” Similarly, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed criticized the government’s priorities, stating, “After promoting firecrackers and letting common citizens suffocate in toxic air, they are now buying 15 air purifiers for themselves using taxpayers’ money. How dare you use public money for your own comfort while putting everyone else’s lives in danger? Either provide air purifiers to every citizen or stop buying them for yourself.”
The Delhi government has not yet issued a response to these allegations.
Delhi’s Persistent Pollution Crisis
The air quality in the national capital has remained a significant concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently reporting “very poor” levels for the fourth consecutive day. On Thursday, the AQI was recorded at 323 at 10 am, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The annual challenge of air pollution intensified after Diwali, with widespread firework usage extending beyond the designated time, further deteriorating the air quality.