Gorakhpur

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday likened the air quality in the national capital to a “gas chamber” and said people in Uttar Pradesh are able to enjoy a cleaner environment despite rapid development.

Speaking at a function in Gorakhpur, Adityanath said environmental degradation has emerged as one of the biggest global challenges. “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 oxygen supply is affected, the entire body suffers,” he said.

The chief minister was addressing the inauguration of the renovated Block Development Officer’s office in Jungle Kauria, according to the UP government.

Turning his attention to the national capital, Adityanath said the situation in Delhi was alarming. “It feels like a gas chamber. Breathing becomes difficult, there is a burning sensation in the eyes, and doctors advise asthma patients, the elderly and children to stay indoors. What kind of life is this?” he asked.

He cautioned that disturbing the ecological balance could result in similar conditions elsewhere. “We are fortunate here. There is development without a suffocating environment,” Adityanath added.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s air quality was in the ‘poor’ category at 9 am on Saturday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 211.

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The CPCB classifies AQI levels as ‘good’ (0–50), ‘satisfactory’ (51–100), ‘moderate’ (101–200), ‘poor’ (201–300), ‘very poor’ (301–400) and ‘severe’ (401–500).