Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR: SP MP Blames Cremations and Holika Dahan, Giriraj Singh Fires Back

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP R.K. Chaudhary has attributed the hazardous air quality in Delhi-NCR to cremations and Holika Dahan celebrations, sparking a sharp response from BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh.

MP Chaudhary Raises Environmental Concerns
Speaking on Thursday, MP Chaudhary from Mohanlalganj, Uttar Pradesh, said that burning corpses releases carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which deplete oxygen in the atmosphere. He added that fires during Holika Dahan also emit significant amounts of these gases. “Our country is not serious about tackling air pollution,” Chaudhary remarked.

Addressing ANI, the SP leader, who has previously served as Environment Minister, said, “The way environmental work is being carried out is flawed. Most NGOs and government departments focus on reducing carbon emissions and preserving oxygen, which is essential for humans and animals, but the approach is incorrect.”

Focus on Oxygen, Not Just Trees
Chaudhary emphasized the need to increase oxygen levels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. “Most NGOs and departments only suggest planting trees, but across the country, corpses are burned, releasing carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, consuming oxygen in the process,” he said.

He further criticized traditional practices, stating, “During Holika Dahan, millions of fires are lit simultaneously across five crore locations in the country, which consumes a huge amount of oxygen. Our country is not serious about the environment. Measures should be taken to reduce harmful gases for humans and animals, regardless of religious considerations.”

Giriraj Singh’s Counterattack
Reacting sharply, Union Minister Giriraj Singh targeted the SP MP, saying, “He should change his religion. We don’t even know if he is a Hindu or Muslim. In Hinduism, cremation takes about three and a half hands of space, whereas in other religions, it occupies three and a half hands per person.”