"I don’t like going to Delhi": Nitin Gadkari reveals why

NEW DELHI: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that he is reluctant to visit Delhi as the alarming increase in pollution levels in the national capital is affecting his health. He added that the air quality in Delhi is a major obstacle to spending time in the city. Nitin Gadkari made this statement while speaking at an event organised in Delhi.

"Every time I come to Delhi, I think about whether I should go or not. The pollution here is unbearable. I do not like to stay here. I get infected due to the pollution here. I do pranayama (yoga asana) two hours before coming to Delhi," said Nitin Gadkari.

The Union Minister's statement comes at a time when the air pollution levels in Delhi are improving slightly. On Thursday, the Air Quality Index was 165. The day before that, it was 178. As people's lives have become difficult due to pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has written to the central government seeking permission to bring artificial rain.

It is believed that artificial rain implemented through a technology called cloud seeding can control toxic particles in the atmosphere. The state government is also considering odd-even vehicle restrictions. If the last digit of the vehicle is odd, it can be driven on the day when odd digits are allowed. If it is even, then accordingly. The Delhi government had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter and call an emergency meeting.

In the wake of severe air pollution, the Supreme Court had also switched to an online system. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna clarified that he had instructed the judges to conduct online hearings as much as possible. Lawyers and parties will not be forced to come to the court in person. A few days ago, all school classes in the national capital had moved online. Many universities, including Jamia Millia Islamia, have moved to online mode.