Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has once again brought national attention to Delhi’s alarming air pollution levels, saying he feels so uncomfortable during his visits that he books his return tickets even before arriving. His comments, made during a recent plantation drive as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign, underline the growing urgency of tackling pollution in the national capital.
Speaking at the event, Gadkari remarked, “As soon as I reach Delhi, I start thinking about when to leave. I now prefer to stay only two or three days at most.” He described the worsening air quality as a serious threat to public health, warning that it is actively reducing life expectancy in the region. “This is not a political issue; it is a matter of life and death,” he stressed.
Gadkari attributed a significant share of the pollution, nearly 40%, to emissions from road transport. He said the Ministry of Road Transport is taking full responsibility and has launched several green initiatives, including the adoption of alternative fuels like ethanol, biodiesel, and compressed biogas. He added that thousands of tonnes of urban waste are now being used to build roads, and that rainwater harvesting systems are being introduced along highways to support environmental goals. He also highlighted efforts by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to develop eco-friendly corridors by planting trees, installing vertical gardens, and creating bamboo barriers along roads. These “green highways” are designed to act as natural air filters while also supporting biodiversity.
The minister’s remarks come at a time when Delhi’s air quality regularly plunges to hazardous levels, especially during winter. Gadkari’s blunt statement “I book my return ticket before I even arrive” serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for collective action from government bodies, industry, and citizens to address pollution before it spirals further out of control. With sustained political will, technological innovation, and citizen participation, Gadkari emphasized that Delhi can overcome its environmental challenges but the time to act is now.