Parliamentary panel drops air pollution issue from agenda

A Parliamentary panel's decision to remove the air pollution issue from the agenda for November 17 has drawn criticism from Congress MP Ajay Maken. He emphasized the need for urgent attention to Delhi's air pollution crisis, labeling it a public health emergency. Maken has formally requested the panel's chairperson to restore the hearing on the same date or provide an alternative date with an explanation for the change. In his letter dated November 7, Maken expressed concern over the omission, stating that the health risks associated with air pollution require timely scrutiny. He highlighted that he had previously requested an examination of the issue and noted that it was included in the committee's annual program for 2026-27. Maken recalled that the original agenda had scheduled the hearing for November 17 at 2 PM, which he believes is crucial given the urgency of the health risks.