Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday lashed out at AAP chief and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, holding him responsible for the worsening pollution levels in the Yamuna River.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Kejriwal, Saxena stated, “The Yamuna has reached its peak pollution levels this year. I will personally hold you responsible for this, as you had petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the cleaning operations in the Yamuna. I have repeatedly urged you to personally assess the city’s condition.”
He added, “Just two days ago, I requested you via my post on ‘X’ to visit Rangpuri and Kapashera. Instead of going yourself, you chose to send your self-declared temporary Chief Minister, Atishi, to these areas.”
Despite the criticism, Saxena acknowledged some positive developments. “It is heartening that after a decade, you have begun recognizing the deteriorating state of Delhi and the struggles of its people. I assure you I will continue to draw your attention to these pressing issues,” he wrote.
Past criticism by Delhi LG on Yamuna pollution
This is not the first time Saxena has criticised Kejriwal over the Yamuna’s pollution. In October, he posted on ‘X’ images showing the river covered in white foam, a stark reminder of its degradation.
“Yamuna, the lifeline of Delhi, holds even greater significance during Chhath Puja. Its current state reflects the pain of Delhi’s people—unbearable and deeply distressing,” Saxena remarked.
Without directly naming Kejriwal, he continued, “Who promised to clean the Yamuna and take a dip in it? Who stopped the revival work initiated last year under the orders of the NGT?”
Saxena’s comments underline his ongoing criticism of the AAP government’s handling of pollution and environmental issues in the capital.