As the Delhi assembly elections are around the corner, the issue of air pollution in the national capital remains a critical concern for residents and environmentalists alike. Despite light rain, the air quality remained in the poor category with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering at 262 at 6 am and 8 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Yet, despite the urgency of air pollution in Delhi, no political party including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, has prominently addressed or proposed concrete solutions to this pressing problem in their election manifestos.
While there are frequent promises about economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development, air pollution—which severely affects public health, quality of life, and the city’s global standing—has largely been sidelined.
Surprisingly, none of the major parties seem to have crafted clear strategies to tackle this environmental crisis head-on.
With the narrative focused around the ‘freebies’ the three major parties have unveiled their manifestos, each targeting key voter concerns and outlining their vision for the national capital.
The trio has come up with the scheme that offers financial assistance to the women as AAP has promised to provide Rs 1000 per month to every woman above the age of 18 and said that the amount will be increased to Rs 2100 if it comes back to power.
BJP has announced the same and promised Rs 2500 per month along with Rs 21000 to every pregnant woman with six nutritional kits. The party has also announced that it will increase the pension to Rs 2,500 to 3,000.
The Congress has also promised a monthly financial aid of Rs 2,500 to women under the proposed ‘Pyaari Didi Yojana’.
In terms of healthcare, the AAP has promised free of cost medical treatment for senior citizens in both government and private hospitals under its Sanjivani Yojana while BJP has promised to implement Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital, providing health cover of Rs 10 lakh for senior citizens and poor families. Congress has also promised a health insurance cover of Rs 25 lakh to all Delhi residents under its Jeevan Raksha Yojana.
In terms of electricity, the BJP has promised to retain all the existing schemes while AAP offers free electricity up to 200 units and 50 per cent subsidy rebate if the total consumption in a month goes above 200 units.
Congress has taken a step ahead and the party has announced 300 units of free electricity. AAP has promised to provide free bus services for male students studying in school and colleges; BJP has promised that the free bus service to women will continue if it comes to power.
