BJP's Gautam Gambhir skips meeting on pollution, enjoys in Indore
Such is the apathy of our elected leaders, that they are busy enjoying their lives while residents of Delhi are choking due to air pollution. Even Gautam Gambhir, the celebrated cricketer has changed after joining politics. The parliamentarian from East Delhi is in Indore, enjoying with his friends when he was supposed to attend an important meeting on pollution today. We have no words.
In case you aren't aware, Delhi is choking
In Delhi, the Air Quality Index has even crossed apocalyptic levels. Thanks to poor planning from concerned authorities and rampant stubble burning in neighboring states, Delhi earned the dubious title of the world's most polluted city. On Friday, AQI was recorded at 527. As a thick layer of smog has blanketed Delhi, some school children urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.
While residents are suffering, important meeting was canceled
As residents are breathing toxicity, a high-level Parliamentary Standing Committee of Urban Development was called today. But the meeting was postponed because ministers and others didn't think it was "important enough". Three commissioners of MCD, Vice-Chairman of DDA, Secretary/Joint Secretary of Environment didn't attend the meeting, reports ANI. The meeting was attended by only four MPs, other reports said.
Gambhir showed his "political" nature by missing meeting
And Gambhir, whose induction into politics was seen as a "change", flew to Indore to have poha and jalebi with former cricketer VVS Laxman. Laxman shared pictures of their outing on Twitter and Gambhir was all smiles in it. What's ironical is just yesterday, Gambhir advocated clean air saying our children shouldn't be forced to breathe pollutants. What changed between yesterday and today?
He is clearly having fun!
Before India-Bangladesh match, Gambhir mentioned pollution
Gambhir has spoken about pollution earlier too. Before a T20 match between India and Bangladesh, which was hosted in Delhi, he had said health is more important. "I am not really bothered whether the match will happen or not. I hope it happens and it should happen, but again it's the thing which is throughout the year that Delhi people face," he had said.
Of 29 MPs, 25 remained absent
Obviously, Gambhir has shown there's a stark difference between his words and actions. Despite being in a position where he can bring changes, he is least bothered. But he isn't alone. 29 MPs were supposed to attend the meeting and only four did. Delhi pollution has got so worse that it even forced the Supreme Court to wake up from slumber and seek answers.
When questioned, Gambhir went on to attack AAP leaders
Today, SC wondered how are people even breathing
Fuming at Centre and state governments today, SC said AQI has touched almost 600 today and asked how are people even breathing. The top court gave Centre seven days' time to come up with a response on air cleaning system in Delhi. SC also noted that the AAP government's flagship odd-even scheme, which ends today, didn't contribute to curbing pollution.
In court, Delhi government said no exemptions will help
Appearing for Delhi government, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said if exemptions are removed, the results will be better. But he noted that "If two-wheelers won't be allowed, the city will come to a standstill", and promised they are working on a plan. Thereafter SC said nature isn't something which can be controlled, and this is what happens when it's played with.
