Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva plunged into the polluted Yamuna River on Thursday. He said he was protesting against the Aam Aadmi Party Government over rising pollution in both the river as well as in the city.
During his visit to the banks of Yamuna, Sachdeva dared AAP leaders, including Chief Minister Atishi and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, to see the condition of the river themselves. “We have laid a red carpet for the ‘shahi’ people,” he said.“We also arranged two chairs because Atishi started this tradition herself.”
Sachdeva said, “We laid a red carpet because for those accustomed to the ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ nothing less would suffice. If Atishi comes, that requires two chairs. Arvind Kejriwal is on bail and if he joins us, we shall be delighted. Now, let’s see if they turn up.”
He further demanded accountability of Rs 8,500 crore that the Central government has given to clean the Yamuna. “They need to explain where that money has gone,” he said.
In response, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj explained that the BJP should address issues related to pollution in its own states. “There are no industries in Delhi that create this trash in the Yamuna. This industrial waste flows in from Panipat and Sonipat.” Bharadwaj said the National Green Tribunal has monitored this many times. He called upon Sachdeva to speak with the Haryana government to block the entry of industrial waste into the river.
On October 22, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena posted pictures of the toxic froth in the Yamuna on X. Asking who is responsible for the pollution. Authorities should provide relief to residents rather than making excuses over the issue. “These pictures are from this morning. Truth cannot be suppressed. Instead of accusations, it would be better to offer relief to the people of Delhi, especially for Chhath worshippers facing this worsening situation,” Saxena said.
Besides this, the Environment Minister of Delhi issued a statement announcing the imposition of rules under GRAP-II in Northern India in view of the air quality index crossing 300.
