In a blunt assessment of the national capital’s deteriorating environmental health, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has voiced his personal struggle with Delhi's toxic smog. Speaking at a recent event in December 2025, Gadkari confessed that the air quality in Delhi has become so hazardous that it poses an immediate threat to visitors and residents alike.
"I Start Thinking of Leaving as Soon as I Arrive"
Known for his candid remarks, the Minister revealed that he often hesitates to travel to Delhi from his home base in Nagpur due to the recurring health issues he faces in the capital.
"In Delhi, the pollution is very high. If I stay here for even two days, I get a throat infection. Every time I land in Delhi, I start thinking about when I will leave and I book my return tickets first," Gadkari stated.
The Minister’s comments come at a time when Delhi is reeling under "Severe" air quality levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently crossing the 400-mark. He further noted that according to medical conclusions, the current level of pollution is effectively reducing the life expectancy of Delhi citizens by nearly 10 years.
The Transport Sector's Role
Gadkari, who oversees India's massive road infrastructure, did not shy away from acknowledging his department's contribution to the crisis. He admitted that approximately 40% of the pollution in the city is linked to the transport sector and the heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
Proposed Solutions: The Shift to Green Fuel
To combat this "national health emergency," the Minister urged a radical shift in India's energy and transport policy:
- Alternative Fuels: Gadkari is advocating for a "crusade-like" transition to Ethanol, Methanol, Green Hydrogen, and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
- Reducing Imports: He highlighted that India currently spends nearly ₹22 lakh crore annually on fossil fuel imports, money that he believes should instead go into the pockets of Indian farmers producing biofuels.
- Infrastructure Fixes: Solving chronic traffic jams through better road engineering is also cited as a key method to reduce idling-related emissions.
Current Situation in Delhi (Dec 2025)
The city remains under strict GRAP-IV (Graded Response Action Plan) measures, which include:
- A total ban on construction and demolition activities.
- Restrictions on the entry of non-essential trucks into the city.
- Shift to online classes for schools and 50% work-from-home mandates for offices.
As the political blame game continues between the Centre and the State, Gadkari’s personal health revelation underscores the reality that even the country's highest-ranking officials are not immune to the "gas chamber" conditions of the capital.
