A new theory- Dust from Gulf countries is polluting Delhi

A new theory on high air pollution levels in Delhi NCR was surfaced in Upper House of the Parliament on 28th December, 2017- the November, 2017 episode of pollution was due to dust from Gulf countries. However, for the past two months only burning of agricultural waste by farmers is being blamed. All related meetings, every submitted affidavit in various courts and all the statements made either by Delhi Government agencies or Central Government agencies blamed burning of agricultural wastes by farmers as the sole cause of air pollution in Delhi.

Recently ₹100 crore was sanctioned by Central Government to create awareness among farmers for not burning the farm waste in open. On the day it was sanctioned, 28th December, 2017, there was a short-term discussion on air pollution in Delhi in the Upper House of parliament.

In the discussion, union environment minister Dr Harshvardhan stunned all other members by disclosing that 40 percent of pollution contributed during November was from Gulf countries, 35 percent from sources in Delhi and only 25 percent was contributed by open burning of agricultural wastes by farmers.

This episode clearly shows the ministry's attitude towards pollution problems. On 18th December, NGT remarked in a judgement, "We are of the considered view that there is no derth of existing laws, guidelines and directions of the Court in relation to prevention and control of pollution of the ambient air quality in NCT Delhi but it is the implementation of laws and directions that is entirely wanting".