Kejriwal Govt Let Polluting Vehicles Run, Wasted Crores in Corrupt Deals: Delhi Minister Sirsa

New Delhi: Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa has accused the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, of allowing over 1.08 lakh vehicles to ply on city roads despite exceeding permissible emission limits for carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC). Sirsa also alleged corruption in tenders related to public transport and anti-smog towers, claiming over ₹87 lakh had been wasted and ₹22 crore spent on a ‘missing’ smog tower.

His statements followed the tabling of a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, which highlighted lapses in AAP’s air pollution control measures. The report flagged failures such as the lack of data on vehicular emissions, a shortage of public transport options, and unreliable air quality monitors. It also pointed to irregularities in Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, revealing instances where multiple vehicles were issued certificates within minutes—an improbable feat given the time required for testing.

The report also noted that between 2015 and 2020, nearly 4,000 diesel vehicles exceeded emission norms but were still certified as compliant. Additionally, the AAP government was found to have insufficient data on benzene levels at fuel stations and vehicular emission loads, preventing targeted pollution control measures.

Sirsa emphasized that despite the requirement for 11,000 buses, the AAP government had reduced the fleet by over 20%, exacerbating last-mile connectivity issues and pushing more private vehicles onto the roads. He accused the previous administration of failing to enforce laws effectively, leading to Delhi’s worsening air quality.

The CAG urged the Delhi government to take urgent steps to bridge gaps in air quality monitoring and vehicular emission control. The report is among 14 audits ordered by the new BJP government, with eight already tabled, including one on the controversial liquor excise policy.

The AAP has yet to respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, the BJP, which secured a landslide victory in February by winning 48 of 70 seats, continues its scrutiny of AAP’s governance. Kejriwal and his former deputy, Manish Sisodia, both jailed over the excise policy scandal, also lost their Assembly seats.