AAP leader Anurag Dhanda has sharply criticized Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, accusing him of neglecting Delhi’s worsening air pollution crisis while attending an international climate session in Brazil.
In a post shared on social media, Dhanda used a sarcastic tone to target the minister, writing:
“मुँह से मूँगफली नहीं टूट रही, चुटकी से अखरोट तोड़ने चले हैं मोदी जी के मंत्री।”
He added that Delhi’s toxic air has reached an “emergency-like situation,” yet the minister is “busy spreading knowledge abroad.”
Dhanda’s Criticism Amid Severe Air Quality in Delhi
Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated sharply over the past week, with several monitoring stations recording AQI levels in the severe category. Thick smog, reduced visibility, and rising respiratory complaints have revived public concerns about government preparedness and accountability.
Dhanda, who has frequently commented on administrative lapses related to pollution, said the capital is struggling with life-threatening smog while the Union minister responsible for environment management is attending high-level international conferences instead of addressing the crisis at home.
What Bhupender Yadav Said in Brazil
The AAP leader’s criticism came in response to a post by Bhupender Yadav, who on November 18 shared details of his participation at a global session on renewable energy in Brazil.
The minister wrote that he presented India’s views on:
Multilateral cooperation
Ecological protection
Climate change challenges
India’s rapid renewable energy expansion
Yadav mentioned that he spoke alongside the UK Secretary of State at a panel titled ‘Pioneering Progress: How India is powering the rapid roll-out of renewable energy’.
Political Reactions Over Pollution Management
With pollution levels crossing hazardous marks, political debates have intensified. The AAP leadership has repeatedly accused the Centre of ignoring Delhi’s environmental emergency, while the BJP has countered that the Delhi government failed to curb local pollution sources such as dust, waste burning, and vehicular emissions.
Dhanda’s post adds to this ongoing political back-and-forth, reflecting rising public frustration over the annual air quality crisis.
Health Experts Warn of Rising Risks
As both sides exchange accusations, health experts warn that deteriorating air quality is triggering:
A spike in respiratory illnesses
Increased hospital visits
Higher vulnerability for children and the elderly
Many doctors have labelled the situation “hazardous,” advising residents to avoid outdoor activity during peak pollution hours.
Public Concern Intensifies
With pollution reaching near-emergency levels once again, citizens and civil society groups are urging coordinated action between the Centre and Delhi government instead of political sparring.
The coming days will be crucial as authorities assess whether further emergency measures—such as restrictions on vehicles, construction activity, and industrial operations—need to be re-imposed to safeguard public health.
