An anticipated debate on Delhi's deteriorating air pollution failed to materialise as Parliament's Winter Session concluded on Friday morning. The session, which commenced on December 1, was highlighted by the passage of significant legislation on nuclear energy and rural employment. The latter—the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, commonly referred to as the G RAM G Bill, which aims to replace the UPA-era MGNREGA scheme—was highly contentious, with the Opposition vehemently opposing it.
Sources in Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's office informed national media that all parties concurred that the atmosphere in the House was "not congenial for further discussion on pollution".
As the Winter Session neared its conclusion, a debate on air pollution in North India was widely anticipated. Last week, in a rare display of bipartisanship, Rahul Gandhi's strong advocacy for a discussion on Delhi's severe pollution was promptly accepted by the Centre. However, even as residents of the capital and surrounding areas continue to suffer from hazardous air quality, the planned debate has been shelved.
Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav was scheduled to respond to the pollution issue in the Lok Sabha on Thursday around 6 pm. However, the House was adjourned just an hour after resuming proceedings amid intense protests and sloganeering by Opposition MPs during Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's address on the G RAM G Bill.
Also Read: VB G RAM G Bill passed in Lok Sabha
The bill was passed amid sharp criticism from the Opposition, and it was subsequently cleared in the Rajya Sabha during a late-night session filled with drama. In the meantime, the crucial discussion on pollution—a persistent crisis plaguing the capital for years—was cancelled.
In the lead-up to the scheduled Thursday debate, several Congress leaders submitted adjournment motion notices in Parliament, demanding an immediate discussion on Delhi's pollution crisis. Congress MP Vijay Vasanth from Kanyakumari called on the central government to declare a national health emergency in Delhi-NCR owing to the thick smog blanketing the region.
Also Read: Nuclear energy bill gets Rajya Sabha’s nod
Delhi experienced severe and then severe-plus air quality for three days from December 13 to 15, followed by a brief respite beginning December 16. The capital's Air Quality Index is currently teetering on the edge of severe again, with several monitoring stations recording readings above 400. Compounding the problem, dense fog has further worsened conditions.
A debate on pollution is unlikely to occur until at least the 2026 Budget Session, when parliamentarians will reconvene for what are expected to be heated discussions.
After Parliament adjourned sine die on Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held meetings with MPs from both sides of the aisle. Visuals captured Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaging in conversation with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others over tea. According to sources, PM Modi and Priyanka Gandhi shared a cordial and positive exchange regarding her constituency, Wayanad.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a vocal Opposition figure throughout the Winter Session, was slated to lead the pollution debate from the Opposition side had it proceeded.
Also Read: 'G Ram G' Bill clears Parliament, Oppn stages overnight protest
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