Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari’s remarks on Delhi pollution have gone viral across social media, drawing attention to the worsening air quality crisis in the national capital. Speaking at the launch of veteran journalist Uday Mahurkar’s book, My Idea of Nation First: Redefining Unalloyed Nationalism, held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi on December 23, 2025, Gadkari highlighted the severe environmental and health challenges caused by pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Gadkari shared his personal experience, stating that even after staying in Delhi for just two days, he develops allergies due to the pollution. The 68-year-old BJP leader and Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways since 2014 stressed the urgency of addressing pollution as a policy issue, rather than attributing it to individual lifestyle choices. He questioned, “What kind of nationalism is this? Fossil fuels are limited, and pollution is increasing. Can't we reduce fossil fuel usage? Why can't we promote electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles, which can lead to zero pollution?”

In his remarks, Gadkari revealed that transport contributes 40% to Delhi’s pollution, directly linking the problem to infrastructure and fossil fuel dependency. The Minister emphasized the economic impact of continued reliance on fossil fuels, noting that India spends around ₹22 lakh crore annually on such energy sources. Gadkari also promoted alternative solutions like ethanol-powered eco-friendly flex-fuel vehicles and biofuels, highlighting their potential to reduce pollution and enhance India’s energy self-sufficiency.

Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) has deteriorated to severe levels once again. On the day of Gadkari’s remarks, Delhi recorded a 24-hour AQI of 412, making it the second-most polluted city in India, while Noida topped the list with an AQI of 426. The forecast predicted that air quality would remain in the very poor category over the next six days, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention.

Gadkari’s candid statements have sparked discussions on social media, with users highlighting the policy failures behind Delhi’s pollution crisis. Many emphasized that the pollution problem is systemic, linked to outdated infrastructure, poor public transport, and slow adoption of cleaner fuels, rather than individual habits. One social media user, Anmol Sharma, commented, “40% of Delhi’s pollution is linked to transport & infrastructure. This isn’t a lifestyle issue, it’s a policy failure. Health cost > economic cost, yet action stays slow.”

The remarks come shortly after the Union Environment Ministry stated there is no conclusive data directly correlating high AQI levels with lung diseases, a point raised by MoS Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Rajya Sabha. Despite this, Gadkari highlighted the health risks and respiratory ailments caused by poor air quality, reinforcing the need for actionable policies.

Gadkari’s concern over Delhi’s pollution is not new. Last year, he admitted he is generally reluctant to visit Delhi due to its “bhayankar pollution” and repeated concerns about respiratory infections. His continued focus on electric and hydrogen vehicles, biofuel alternatives, and reducing fossil fuel dependence underscores a broader vision for sustainable transportation solutions across India.

The Transport Minister’s statements have renewed debate over how India can combat urban air pollution effectively. Experts suggest that combining public transport improvements, cleaner vehicle adoption, biofuel incentives, and infrastructure planning is crucial to achieving long-term results. Gadkari’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, emphasizing that sustainable transportation is no longer optional but essential to protect public health and environmental quality in India’s cities.

Social media reactions indicate that the public largely agrees with Gadkari’s assessment that pollution is a policy failure, not a lifestyle issue, reinforcing the need for immediate, government-led interventions. By promoting electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered transport, and biofuel usage, Gadkari advocates for a shift toward environmentally friendly solutions capable of tackling the severe pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR.

In summary, Nitin Gadkari’s viral remarks on Delhi pollution highlight the urgent need for systemic policy reforms. His emphasis on alternative fuels, sustainable transportation, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels provides a roadmap for mitigating one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing India today. With Delhi’s AQI remaining in the severe category, the Minister’s message reinforces the necessity of urgent action, technological innovation, and policy implementation to improve air quality and safeguard public health across the capital region.

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