'Impossible...working to fix it': Delhi minister apologizes for toxic air
16 Dec 2025

Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has apologized for the city's air pollution, calling it "impossible" for any elected government to improve air quality within nine to 10 months.

"This disease of pollution is given to us by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and we are working to fix it," said Manjinder Singh Sirsa

"I apologize for the pollution in Delhi. We are doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day," Sirsa said.

Delhi's air quality remains a concern
Pollution status

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 354 around 4:00pm on Tuesday, slightly improving from Monday's severe level of 427.

Several areas, including Anand Vihar and Ghazipur, reported severe air quality with AQIs of 410, while AIIMS and India Gate reported "very poor" air quality with AQIs of 397 and 380, respectively.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as pollution levels exceed critical limits.

Sirsa announces stricter measures to tackle pollution
New regulations

Sirsa announced that only BS-VI vehicles from outside Delhi will be allowed to enter the city.

Moreover, from Thursday, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol pumps.

He claimed Delhi's air quality has been better for nearly eight months this year compared to last year.

He alleged that after "distorting Delhi," AAP was trying to divert attention by staging protests over pollution after it did not take concrete steps during its tenure.

Ongoing initiatives and future plans to curb pollution
Pollution control

Sirsa highlighted ongoing initiatives such as reducing garbage mountain heights by 15 meters and reclaiming 45 acres of land.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has set up over 2,000 pollution-monitoring plants.

Sirsa noted that biomethanation plants also contribute to pollution. He added 13 pollution hotspots have been identified across the city, with AQI levels lower this year than in the past decade, barring COVID-19 times.

Sirsa's plans for cleaner mobility and scientific committee
Future initiatives

On public transport, Sirsa said plans are underway to deploy 7,500 electric buses in Delhi to reduce vehicular emissions.

A scientific committee has been constituted and has already held meetings to recommend effective pollution-control measures.

The minister also said strict enforcement against polluting vehicles has been initiated, with challans being issued for PUC violations.