'Delhi feels like a gas chamber': Adityanath takes dig at city's AQI, hails UP for good environment
Gorakhpur (PTI): Likening the air quality of the national capital to a 'gas chamber', Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday asserted that people in Uttar Pradesh enjoy a clean environment and are not being suffocated, despite all the developmental work.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the renovated Block Development Officer's office in Jungle Kauria here, Adityanath said that one of the biggest global challenges today is environmental degradation, an official statement said.
"The environment here is quite good; there is no pollution. Without pollution, there are fewer diseases. Whenever pollution exists, it harms the lungs. If our supply of oxygen is compromised, the entire body suffers," he said.
He shifted his focus to Delhi's air quality, saying, "You see the condition in Delhi? It feels like a gas chamber. The situation is dire; breathing is difficult, and there's a burning sensation in the eyes. Doctors advise those suffering from asthma, as well as the elderly and children, to stay indoors. What kind of life is this?"
Delhi's air quality was recorded in the "poor" category at 9 am on Saturday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 211, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe', the CPCB added.
Any disruption to the environment could lead to similar circumstances, the chief minister cautioned. "We are fortunate here; we have development without a suffocating environment," he said.
The proposed forestry university in Campierganj will prove effective in addressing environmental challenges, increasing forest cover and boosting farmers' incomes, Adityanath said.
He also referred to the Jatayu Conservation Centre built in Campierganj and said that expressing gratitude is an integral part of Indian culture. Being thankful to those who have done something for us is part of our way of life, he added.
"Jatayu rendered a great service to humanity; he was the first to resist Ravana when he abducted 'Mata Sita' (Goddess Sita). He is also associated with Lord Vishnu --- the preserver. Today, due to the use of chemicals and pesticides, the population of vultures is declining, and they are dying,” the chief minister explained.
He said, therefore, to express gratitude towards Jatayu and to protect the vultures, a conservation centre is being established in Campierganj.
The degree from the state's first Forestry and Horticulture University, being established in Campierganj, will guarantee employment for the youth, he said.
Adityanath said that young people graduating with degrees and diplomas from this university will have wide employment opportunities across the country and the world. The university will also play a significant role in increasing the income of the state's farmers.
Speaking about development in the state and in Gorakhpur after 2017, he said, "When intentions are clear, results come on their own. With focused efforts, the fertiliser factory in Gorakhpur has resumed operations, AIIMS is providing services, and BRD Medical College has become an excellent medical centre.”
The sugar mill in Pipraich has also restarted, a compressed biogas plant has been set up in Dhuriyapar, and industries are flourishing in GIDA, he added.
“Many large-scale development works are underway in Gorakhpur and across the state, and a development-oriented mindset helps secure a bright future for present and future generations," the chief minister said.
He also mentioned his close connection with every village of the Jungle Kaudia block and said that during floods, he personally reached people by wading through water.
"The level of development today in the Jungle Kaudia block and the Campierganj Assembly constituency is beyond people's imagination,” Adityanath said.
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Karnataka to approach SC seeking permission to continue MGNREGA
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday decided to approach the Supreme Court seeking permission to continue implementation of MGNREGA in the state, contending that the Centre had repealed the rural employment guarantee law without consultation and failed to put in place any alternative mechanism under the VB-G RAM G Act.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the state would immediately move the apex court seeking permission to prepare and implement the annual action plan for rural employment works, while also challenging what it described as an infringement on the constitutional rights of states.
The parliament passed VB-G RAM G in December that replaces MGNREGA.
Patil explained that the Cabinet decided to approach the court seeking permission for the State Government to prepare an action plan in this regard. Since the Centre’s stand interferes with the constitutional rights of state governments, the Cabinet has also decided to challenge this issue before the appropriate court
“There are two points here. One is that they have come in the way of our constitutional right of providing the right to work. That has been halted, and, therefore, the State Government has decided to approach the Supreme Court. The second point is that the Government of India has not provided any alternative,” the Minister said.
The Central Government has not yet issued a notification to implement the VB-G RAM G Act, nor has it made any alternative arrangements and hence continuing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is unavoidable in the public interest, the Minister said.
“Therefore, in the interest of the public, farmers and agricultural labourers, we must continue MGNREGA. For that purpose, the Cabinet has decided to approach the court seeking permission for the State Government to prepare the action plan for this year,” he added.
The Minister also said the Centre had only permitted continuation of pending and spillover MGNREGA works without releasing grants or announcing a fresh action plan.
“The Centre itself has said that pending, spillover and half-done MGNREGA works can continue. That means MGNREGA is actually still functioning in practice. But there is no new action plan,” he said.
Patil said the state had already passed a resolution on the issue, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had written to the Prime Minister and the Rural Development Minister had held discussions with Union Ministers.
Replying to questions, the minister said the state would move court “as immediately as possible.”
He clarified that the state was seeking permission to formulate and implement this year’s action plan under the existing framework.
“What we are asking the Supreme Court is to allow us to have the action plan for this year and implement it,” he said.
The Cabinet also held detailed discussions on the final report submitted by the State Education Policy Commission headed by former UGC chairman Professor Sukhadeo Thorat.
Patil said a Cabinet sub-committee would be constituted to examine the report and recommend measures for implementation.
“No decision has been taken yet. The Cabinet sub-committee will recommend what should be accepted and what should be modified,” he said.
He said the report comprised around eight volumes and covered issues relating to financial implications, human resources, curriculum reforms, deemed universities, unitary universities and newly established universities. The Chief Minister has been authorised to constitute the sub-committee.
The Cabinet also approved the Karnataka Motor Transport and Other Related Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Amendment Bill, 2026, transferring welfare administration of transport-related workers from the Labour Department to the Transport Department.
The Cabinet further approved establishment of three new industrial estates in Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Surpur under the Karnataka State Small Industries Development Corporation and Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 2026, providing two per cent reservation in state civil services appointments for sportspersons.
