Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday urged citizens to share their experiences of how air pollution has affected them or their loved ones, saying the issue cannot be ignored or postponed till next winter.
In a post on social media platform
Rahul Gandhi wrote in his post, “We are paying a heavy price for air pollution in the form of our health and economy. Crores of ordinary Indians bear this burden every day. Children and the elderly suffer the most. Livelihoods, especially of construction workers and daily wage labourers, are badly affected. This crisis cannot be forgotten until next winter.”
He further wrote, “The first step towards change is to raise your voice. Share your story of how air pollution has affected you or your loved ones here: https://rahulgandhi.in/awaazbharatki Your voice matters, and it is my duty to raise it.”
According to Rahul Gandhi’s official website, ‘Awaaz Bharat Ki’ is an initiative to provide a platform for the people of India to share their views, suggestions and concerns directly with his office.
Earlier this month, on January 18, the air quality in the national capital reached ‘severe’ category, with the air quality index (AQI) recorded at 439 at 7 am, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The situation worsened overnight, with the air quality index (AQI) recorded at 432 at 10 pm on January 17, putting it in the ‘severe’ category, and by Sunday morning the situation had worsened.
Persistently high pollution levels have raised serious health concerns, especially for children, the elderly and those suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
