Overview On November 29, 2025 , the Congress party addressed the critical air pollution situation in Delhi, describing it as "slow poison." The party emphasized the need for government discussions with all stakeholders to tackle this national problem and suggested forming an MP-level committee. The Congress criticized the BJP-AAP governments for prioritizing populist measures over essential infrastructure and pollution control. Key Concerns Raised Health Impacts: Doctors claim that Delhi's polluted air reduces a normal person's lifespan by 6 to 7 years . Major Pollutants: Vehicular pollution is identified as a major contributor, accounting for around 35% of air pollution. Government Inaction: Accusations of deception and failure to control pollution were leveled against the Delhi and Punjab governments. Causes of Air Pollution Sandeep Dikshit highlighted several factors contributing to Delhi's air pollution: Vehicular Pollution: The primary cause, exacerbated by poor road infrastructure and increased vehicle numbers. Industrial Pollution: Illegal factories using dirty fuel, allegedly operating with the connivance of local authorities. Waste Management: Burning of garbage at various locations and the absence of effective waste segregation systems. Ineffective Public Transport: Collapse of the public transport system, leading to increased reliance on private vehicles. Congress Party's Demands and Suggestions Parliamentary Discussion: Rahul Gandhi urged the government to discuss the issue in Parliament and formulate a strict, enforceable action plan. MP-Level Committee: Formation of a committee involving all parties to address the issue. Investment in Infrastructure: Prioritizing investment in road infrastructure, bus systems, and metro expansion. Public Awareness: Engaging the public and launching a people's movement to combat air pollution. Air Quality Index (AQI) On November 29, 2025 , Delhi's overall air quality remained in the very poor category, with an AQI of 332 . This was marginally lower than the previous day's AQI of 369 . The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes AQI levels as follows: 0-50: Good 51-100: Satisfactory 101-200: Moderate 201-300: Poor 301-400: Very Poor 401-500: Severe UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly the following areas: GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology (Air Pollution, Pollution Control) GS Paper II: Governance (Government Policies and Interventions) GS Paper II: Parliament and State Legislatures (Role and Functioning) Potential Questions for Mains Analyze the primary causes of air pollution in Delhi and suggest comprehensive strategies to mitigate its impact on public health and the environment. Evaluate the effectiveness of current government policies and initiatives aimed at controlling air pollution in Delhi. What are the key challenges in their implementation, and how can they be addressed? Discuss the role of public awareness and participation in combating air pollution. How can citizens be effectively engaged in promoting sustainable practices and holding authorities accountable?