Pollution not a problem of just one party or Delhi govt: Gopal Rai

New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday said air pollution was not a problem of just the Aam Aadmi Party or the Delhi government and everyone, irrespective of their party affiliations, should join efforts to tackle it.

The minister also said the 'Red light on, Gaadi off' campaign will cover all the 70 assembly constituencies in the national capital starting Monday. By November 2, the campaign to curb vehicular pollution will cover all the 272 wards in the city, he said.

The minister said he had invited opposition MLAs and MPs to join the campaign but "there has been no positive response from them so far". "But I hope that they will take steps at their own level. Air pollution is not a problem of just the AAP or the Delhi government," he said.

"It is the responsibility of all governments and citizens of Delhi to contribute to reducing pollution. The problem is not of the AAP alone. I want to appeal to everybody to participate in this campaign, keeping their party affiliations aside," Rai said.

Asked if Delhi BJP MLAs should join the campaign, he said, "Yes, everyone should. We have appealed to everyone. They also have to breathe in the same air."

Rai said that switching vehicles off at red light can reduce vehicular pollution by 15-20 per cent. In the coming days, the Delhi Assembly Speaker, Cabinet Ministers and MLAs will be participating in the campaign, the minister said.

"The impact of the campaign and other measures will be ascertained by the scientists. But according to them, a vehicle spends at least 15-20 minutes on average at traffic signals and contributes to 15-20 per cent vehicular pollution while idling at the traffic signals. If they switch their ignitions off, the pollution can be reduced by 15-20 per cent," Rai added.

"The government, Supreme Court, EPCA, DPCC and all departments concerned are monitoring the pollution situation in Delhi. We will take action wherever needed," he said.