Delhi's CM pledges pollution fight with new measures as AQI hits 497, sparking debate over leadership.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has pledged to combat the city’s severe pollution crisis by staying in Delhi, criticizing former CM Arvind Kejriwal for leaving for Vipassana retreats. She announced new measures including 70 road sweepers, 1,000-litre pickers in every constituency, super suckers in every ward, 50 shuttle parking facilities, a zero-tolerance policy on open burning with fines up to Rs 5,000, and a new biogas plant processing 1,500 metric tons of cow dung daily. The government allocated Rs 800 crore to the MCD, including a permanent Rs 300 crore grant. Kejriwal defended his retreats as spiritual practice, not avoidance, while AAP leaders questioned Gupta’s understanding of air quality, as Delhi’s AQI reached 497, prompting hybrid school learning.