New Delhi, May 17 (UNI) Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for failing to address Delhi's pollution issues in 10 years, the Congress on Friday said in the event of coming to power the INDIA Bloc will work on priority against pollution and show the difference within the stipulated time frame.

Addressing a press conference at the Delhi PCC headquarters here, General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said the national capital was reeling under severe air, water and chemical pollution besides rampant illegal mining and deforestation in the Aravali Mountain range.

He said the Central Government cannot shirk its responsibilities by putting the onus on states while dealing with pollution.


"Environment holds a special place in Delhi elections. Problems of Delhi cannot be solved by the Delhi Government alone and Centre's role is very important," he stressed.


He also accused the Modi government of scrapping all the plans including the Yamuna Action Plan that were brought by the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government to address the issue of pollution in the national capital.


He said, “Environment is a very important issue in the country. This is not about any particular person or community, but it is about the health of every person. Therefore, I would like to tell the people of Delhi that the INDIA bloc will work on priority against pollution in Delhi and will show a difference within the stipulated time frame”.

Showing concern over the rise in the level of pollution in the national capital, the former Union Environment Minister said, “There has been an increase in the chemical contamination level in Ghazipur, Okhla and Bhalswa landfills. Besides, illegal mining in the Aravali Mountain range is also impacting the environment of Delhi. The Centre has not taken any step to address these problems”.

Ramesh said, “Environment holds a special place in Delhi elections. The Central government is primarily responsible for the environment in Delhi, as the problem of pollution in the national capital is also linked to the nearby states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana.

"Today air pollution has become a major problem for public health. There are 11 power stations in Delhi that use coal. In 2009, air pollution standards were set for all power stations, and those that did not comply were shut down.

"The reality today is that nine out of 11 power stations have violated standards in some way or the other. But the Modi Government has not taken any action”.


He further said when he was the Union Environment Minister during the UPA Government, he made it a point to visit all the places affected by pollution. UNI RBE SY SSP