Former IPS officer and former Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi has made a strong appeal for a comprehensive "White Paper" to tackle Delhi's escalating air pollution emergency. She emphasized that this document should not only explain how the capital reached this critical stage but also outline a clear, time-bound plan for recovery.
Two-Part Proposal for Pollution Solution
Sharing her detailed suggestions on social media platform X, Bedi structured her proposal into two crucial components. The first part focuses on fixing past accountability, asking critical questions: What caused this crisis? Who and what failed the citizens? What historical factors has Delhi inherited that led to this environmental decline?
The second part of her proposal charts the road ahead, calling for immediate, short-term, and long-term measures that clearly assign responsibilities to specific departments as well as citizens. Bedi stressed that everyone is both "a contributor and a solution" to the pollution problem.
Governance and Accountability Measures
Bedi argued that Delhi requires less paperwork and more field-level action. She urged officers and civic authorities to step outside daily, inspect problem areas like dusty roads and construction zones, and take immediate action against violations rather than waiting for formal reports. She believes this approach will significantly improve coordination across different agencies.
The former police officer also reached out directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recalling how his virtual reviews during her tenure in Puducherry enhanced efficiency across departments. She suggested that regular meetings between the PM, Delhi, and neighboring states—even monthly sessions—could prevent seasonal pollution spikes and fragmented responses.
Institutional Responsibility and Public Awareness
Bedi outlined specific institutional responsibilities, stating that environmental ministries and the Commission for Air Quality Management must ensure consistent compliance across the National Capital Region. Meanwhile, state governments, municipal bodies, and district magistrates should enforce daily checks on industrial emissions, construction rules, road dust, and traffic congestion.
Alongside strict enforcement, Bedi pushed for large-scale awareness campaigns through media and educational platforms to ensure collective responsibility. She particularly criticized the heavy use of air purifiers in government offices and official vehicles, questioning how insulated officials can understand the "choking and gasping" reality that residents face outdoors.
Delhi continues to battle toxic air with multiple days of hazardous pollution levels this season. The city's air quality has remained in the 'very poor' category for weeks, with experts warning that prolonged exposure to particulate pollution poses serious health risks, especially for children, senior citizens, and people with respiratory conditions.
