Union Minister Nitin Gadkari speaking during the launch of veteran and former Central Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar’s book titled ‘My Idea of Nation First: Redefining Unalloyed Nationalism’ at the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts (IGNCA), Janpath, in New Delhi on December 23, 2025. | Photo credit: PTI
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed concern over Delhi’s severe pollution, acknowledging that the transport sector contributes nearly 40% to emissions.
Mr Gadkari on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) at the launch of the book ‘My Idea of Nation First – Redefining Unalloyed Nationalism’ written by Uday Mahurkar, said he would develop infections after living in the national capital for just two days due to the polluted air.
“If there is any real nationalism today, it is to reduce imports and increase exports. I stay in Delhi for just two days and I end up with an infection. Why does Delhi suffer so much from pollution?” he said.
“I am the transport minister and 40% of the pollution is caused by us,” acknowledged Mr Gadkari.
The transport minister further questioned the logic of spending ₹22 crore annually on fossil fuel imports and called for greater self-sufficiency in alternative and biofuels.
“We are spending ₹22 crore on importing fossil fuels. What kind of nationalism is this? By spending so much money, we are polluting our own country. Can’t we become self-sufficient in alternative fuels and biofuels?” asked Nitin Gadkari.
Meanwhile, a thick layer of toxic smog engulfed parts of the national capital on Wednesday (December 24) and visuals emerged from the ITO area as the air quality worsened.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented all measures under GRAP Phase IV in Delhi-NCR.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ITO area was recorded at 374, categorized as “very poor”, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The opposition demanded a debate on pollution in parliament. From Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, leaders have urged the government to take a more conscious approach to the issue.
However, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government wanted a discussion on air pollution but it could not take place due to the ruckus created by the Congress and other opposition parties during the passage of the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Bill.
Published – 24 Dec 2025 14:43 IST
