Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has raised alarm over the hazardous pollution levels in Delhi and Mumbai, describing both cities as being in the "red zone." Speaking on the dire environmental situation, Gadkari warned that anyone staying in Delhi for just three days would likely fall ill due to the toxic air.
He expressed grave concern that if pollution continues at its current rate, it could result in a significant drop in life expectancy for residents, potentially by as much as ten years. Gadkari emphasized the need for immediate action, urging people to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels to combat the growing pollution crisis.
Highlighting the role of petrol and diesel as the main contributors to air pollution, Gadkari suggested that a transition to alternative fuels was essential for improving air quality and public health. He also pointed out that India imports fossil fuels worth around Rs. 22 lakh crore annually, calling for a shift towards sustainable and cleaner energy sources.
Gadkari further discussed India’s vision of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy, emphasizing that infrastructure development in sectors such as power, water, and communication is a priority. He also addressed the country’s high logistics costs, which currently stand at 16%, compared to less than 12% in developed nations. He assured that steps would be taken to reduce these costs to single digits by the end of next year.
In conclusion, Gadkari called for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, warning that the continued focus on infrastructure and economy must also include protecting the environment for future generations.
