I get allergies in Delhi, says Nitin Gadkari as capital slips back into severe pollution

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari recently drew attention to Delhi’s unrelenting air pollution crisis, saying the capital’s toxic air triggers allergies within days of his arrival.

Speaking at the book launch of veteran journalist and former Central Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar in Delhi, Gadkari said he struggles to cope with the city’s air even during brief visits. “I live here for three days, and I get allergies because of this pollution,” the 68-year-old BJP leader remarked.

In a rare admission from the government’s top transport policymaker, Gadkari acknowledged the sector’s significant role in worsening air quality across Delhi-NCR. “I am the transport minister, and 40 per cent of pollution happens because of transport itself,” he said, underscoring the urgency of systemic change.

Questioning India’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, Gadkari called for a rapid transition to cleaner alternatives. “What kind of nationalism is this?” he asked. “Fossil fuels are limited, 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?” He noted that India spends nearly ₹22 lakh crore annually on fossil fuel imports.

Highlighting solutions, Gadkari spoke about his own flex-fuel vehicle that runs entirely on ethanol, describing it as a viable path to cutting emissions while reducing dependence on imported fuel.

His remarks came as Delhi’s air quality worsened again on December 23, slipping back into the severe category. The capital recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 412, making it the second-most polluted city in the country.

Noida, part of the National Capital Region, topped the list with an AQI of 426. While conditions improved marginally by December 24 morning, with air quality moving to the very poor category, forecasts suggest pollution levels will remain hazardous over the next six days.

This is not the first time Gadkari has publicly expressed concern over Delhi’s air. During a similar episode last December, when the capital was blanketed in dense smog, he had said he was often hesitant to travel to the city. “Every time I come to Delhi, I wonder whether I should go or not. Itna bhayankar pollution hai (The pollution is just terrible),” he had said.

Once again, the minister’s blunt remarks have spotlighted a crisis that shows no sign of easing—and a policy challenge that continues to choke the national capital.