As Delhi chokes under hazardous smog, Gadkari urges a shift from fossil fuels to EVs, hydrogen vehicles

Speaking on the crisis at a book launch, Gadkari said, “If there is any true nationalism today, it is reducing imports and increasing exports. But look at our situation. I stayed in Delhi for two days and developed a throat infection. Delhi is troubled by pollution. I am the Road Transport Minister, and around 40 percent of pollution is linked to our sector.”

The minister questioned India’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which costs nearly Rs 22 lakh crore annually in imports, and urged the adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to achieve zero pollution.

“Fossil fuels are limited, and pollution is increasing. Can't we reduce fossil fuel usage?” he asked.

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached hazardous levels, recorded at 413 at around 8 am, severely affecting public health and visibility.

Major hotspots included Anand Vihar (AQI 466), Ashok Vihar (444), Chandni Chowk (425), and areas around India Gate, Kartavya Path, and Rashtrapati Bhavan (AQI 384, ‘Very Poor’ category).

In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, deploying truck-mounted water sprinklers to curb dust and particulate pollution.

The pollution crisis has triggered calls for urgent parliamentary debate. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, terming it a “national health emergency” and demanding a structured discussion on concrete measures.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, accused the opposition of stalling the debate, saying the government was ready but protests over the VB-G RAM G bill disrupted proceedings.

As Delhi grapples with toxic smog, the government faces increasing pressure to accelerate the shift to cleaner fuels and sustainable transport solutions.