'This is like imposing Emergency': BJP MP Manoj Tiwari distributes masks in Delhi as AQI hits 'severe plus'

Union minister Manoj Tiwari. NEW DELHI: As Delhi faces severely polluted air for a second consecutive day, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari distributed N95 masks to the public at Rajiv Chowk metro station on Tuesday. The city's air quality remained in the 'severe plus' category, prompting concerns about public health.

Tiwari, along with other BJP members, handed out masks to commuters and even helped an official wear one. The action aimed to provide immediate relief from the hazardous air, categorised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 488 as of 8 am. Commenting on the situation, Tiwari criticised the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its handling of the pollution crisis, saying: "This is like imposing Emergency.

Mistakes have been made by AAP and Arvind Kejriwal's govt but the consequences are faced by the people of Delhi. I think we all need to wake up now. We are trying to create awareness of wearing masks but there needs to be a concrete solution which only BJP can give.

" He urged citizens to wear masks for the coming month and proposed that the BJP could provide solutions to Delhi's recurring pollution problem in the future. This event comes as the Supreme Court issued a circular advising the use of masks within its premises due to the 'severe' pollution levels..