Kiran Bedi Calls for Air Purifier Ban in Govt Offices, Urges PM Modi to Act on Delhi's 'Public-Health Emergency'

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Former IPS officer and BJP leader Kiran Bedi has sparked a debate by calling for a ban on air purifiers in government offices and official residences. According to her, this measure is necessary to help government officials understand the severity of air pollution firsthand. Bedi, who has been a vocal critic of Delhi's poor air quality, argued that purifiers create a false sense of security, shielding officials from the harsh realities of pollution. She emphasized the need for officials to experience the impact of pollution directly, just like citizens, to appreciate the urgency of the issue. In a post on X, Bedi wrote, 'How can government officials truly comprehend the severity of toxic air when they remain insulated by purifiers at every step?' She added, 'Governance can't be remote-controlled; it must stand in the dust, breathe the same air, and act with urgency.' Bedi's remarks come a day after she made a public appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and direct efforts to reduce air pollution. The national capital has been struggling with poor air quality, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording an AQI in the 'poor' category on Saturday. Delhi's air quality is expected to remain in the 'very poor' zone for the next few days, with wind speeds likely to remain high. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the Bombay High Court has set up an independent committee to inspect construction sites and verify whether pollution-control measures are being implemented. The court was hearing several petitions highlighting the worsening air quality in Mumbai, which has been deteriorating steadily since 2023. The BMC and MPCB have been directed to submit a report by 15 December detailing the actions taken to control air pollution.