'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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
“Won’t bow down”: DK Shivakumar’s reply to protesters shouting ‘go back’ slogan at event
Davangere: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said he would not be shaken by protests after some youths raised “Go Back” slogans during a public event, asserting that he stands firmly by his principles.
He was speaking at the 287th birth anniversary celebration of Sant Sevalal held at Bhayagad-Soragondanakoppa in Nyamathi taluk of Davangere district on Saturday.
Referring to the Banjara community, Shivakumar said that it was the Congress government that stood by the community during times of injustice. He recalled that during K.T. Rathod’s tenure, the Banjara community was included in the Scheduled Caste category and the Tanda Development Corporation was established to improve their living conditions.
“We are gathered here to celebrate Sant Sevalal, who spread the message of truth, integrity, social justice, harmony and equality. Religion must have compassion. Without compassion, what is religion?” he said, recalling Basavanna’s teachings on kindness and equality.
He added that people are not born by choosing their caste and stressed the importance of human values above divisions. “This is a land of great social reformers like Sant Sevalal. Every community has its own cultural and religious identity. Our government has been working for the welfare of all communities,” he said.
Shivakumar said that during the government’s 1,000-day programme in Haveri, the Congress had reaffirmed its commitment to the people, including the Lambani community. “I have come here with affection for the Lambani people who have supported me,” he said.
Responding to the “Go Back” slogans, Shivakumar said, “Some youths have shouted ‘Go Back’ with affection. I have accepted it with love. But leaders on the stage invited me saying ‘Come Back’, and that is why I am here.”
He added, “A hundred people may shout. But D.K. Shivakumar is not someone who will bow down to a hundred voices. Thousands here know my principles and commitment. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has said that one who forgets history cannot create history.”
He said politics should not mix with religion. “There should be values in politics, but politics should not enter religion. When I contested from Kanakapura, I was elected with a margin of 1.23 lakh votes. The Lambani community, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes supported me wholeheartedly,” he said.
Shivakumar also advised that protests must be carried out in an appropriate manner and at the right forum.
He said raising slogans during a religious programme serves no purpose. “Even if some say ‘Go Back’, I will not be shaken. More people are saying ‘Come Back’ than ‘Go Back’,” he said.
Later, responding to media questions about BJP protests, he said the Congress government had ensured justice for all communities and introduced the 6-6-5 formula in the matter of internal reservation. “The BJP is unable to tolerate this. They are instigating around a hundred people out of fear of losing relevance,” he alleged.
He maintained that 90 per cent of the Lambani community supports the government and is focused on development, while a small section is engaging in politics. “It was the Congress that granted SC status to the Banjara community and set up the development corporation. We gave land rights to tandas. We will always stand with good people,” he said.
During the programme, a section of protesters displayed black cloths alleging injustice to the Lambani community in the implementation of internal reservation.
_vb_43.jpeg)
_vb_65.jpeg)
_vb_51.jpeg)