Transport-Associated Air pollution: Nitin Gadkari’s Acknowledgment of 40% Contribution in Delhi

Expressing concern over Delhi’s extreme air pollution, Union Minister for Highway Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari acknowledged that the transport sector contributes practically 40% to emissions.

Talking on the e-book launch-‘My Concept of Nation First – Redefining Unalloyed Nationalism’ written by Uday Mahurkar, on Tuesday (December 23, 2025), Mr. Gadkari stated that he develops infections after dwelling within the nationwide capital for simply two days as a consequence of polluted air.

“If there may be any true nationalism immediately, it lies in lowering imports and rising exports. I keep in Delhi for simply two days and finally ends up getting infections. Why is Delhi struggling a lot from air pollution?” he stated.

“I’m the Transport Minister, and 40% of the air pollution is brought on by us,” Mr. Gadkari acknowledged.

The Transport Minister additional questioned the logic of spending ₹22 lakh crore yearly on fossil gas imports, calling for higher self-reliance in various and biofuels.

“We’re spending ₹22 lakh crore on importing fossil fuels. What sort of nationalism is that this? By spending a lot cash, we’re polluting our personal nation. Can’t we turn out to be self-reliant in various fuels and biofuels?” Nitin Gadkari requested.

In the meantime, a thick layer of poisonous smog engulfed components of the nationwide capital on Wednesday (December 24), with visuals rising from the ITO space amid worsening air high quality.

The Fee for Air High quality Administration (CAQM) has invoked all actions beneath GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR.

The Air High quality Index (AQI) across the ITO space was recorded at 374, categorised as ‘very poor’, in keeping with the Central Air pollution Management Board (CPCB).

The opposition had demanded a dialogue on air pollution in Parliament. From Chief of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, the leaders have urged the Authorities to take the difficulty with extra consciousness.

Nonetheless, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the federal government wished a dialogue on air air pollution, nevertheless it couldn’t happen because of the ruckus created by Congress and different opposition events in the course of the passing of Viksit Bharat- G RAM G Invoice.