Delhi's Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, has issued a public apology for the national capital's severe air pollution crisis. In a significant move, he squarely placed the blame for the current environmental situation on the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The minister made these remarks during a press conference held on 16 December 2025.
Minister's Apology and Accusation
Addressing the media, Sirsa expressed regret over the hazardous air quality that Delhi's residents have been forced to endure. He stated that the present administration felt compelled to apologise for the failure to protect public health. However, the core of his message was an indictment of the former AAP-led government's policies. Sirsa argued that the previous AAP government left behind a legacy of inadequate planning and ineffective measures, which has directly contributed to the persistent pollution problem. He emphasised that the current government inherited a deeply flawed system.
Sustained Efforts to Improve Air Quality
While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Minister Sirsa was quick to highlight the proactive steps being taken by the current administration. He assured citizens and the press that his government is now making sustained efforts to bring down pollution levels. Although specific new initiatives were not detailed in the initial report, the minister's statement aimed to project a image of a government actively engaged in finding solutions. The press conference served as a platform to distinguish the current government's approach from that of its predecessor.
Political Repercussions and Public Health
This public apology and blame game have significant political implications in Delhi's charged atmosphere. The statement is likely to intensify the ongoing political feud between the current ruling dispensation and the AAP. Beyond politics, the episode underscores the severe and ongoing public health emergency in Delhi, where air pollution remains a critical issue affecting millions. The minister's acknowledgment, albeit coupled with blame, brings the chronic problem back into sharp public focus.
The development, reported by PTI, indicates that air quality governance will remain a central and contentious issue in Delhi's political discourse. The success of the promised "sustained efforts" will be closely watched by residents desperate for cleaner air.
