Gautam Gambhir faces AAP flak for skipping pollution meet & attending Indore Test

Former cricketer and BJP MP from East Delhi Gautam Gambhir was criticised by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for attending Test match at Indore instead of high-level meeting on air pollution. former Indian opener attended first Test between India and Bangladesh at Indore, Madhya Pradesh on Friday and was slammed by opposition for skipping an important meeting. Former Indian cricketer and commentator VVS Laxman had earlier shared pictures with Gautam Gambhir as duo are seen eating 'pohe and jalebi' during match. AAP took to Twitter to take a dig at Gautam Gambhir, who has been very vocal about rising pollution levels in country's capital, and challenged Gautam Gambhir to stop playing blame game and attend meetings. Furr, AAP alleged that strict action should be taken on all absentees as it amounts to contempt of court.   

READ | Delhi-NCR Continue To Battle Air Pollution, AQI Hovers Around 482 In Capital

AAP takes a dig at Gautam Gambhir

READ | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: 'Decision On Extending Odd-Even Scheme On vember 18'

meeting Gambhir didn't attend was of Parliamentary Standing Committee of Urban Development, which had to be postponed as three commissioners of MCD, Vice-Chairman of DDA, Secretary/Joint Secretary of Environment also did t attend.

Here is list of members who were to be present:

AQI in 'severe' category

overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in national capital on Friday was recorded at 482 which falls under 'Severe' category with PM10 being 504 and PM2.5 - 332, according to Center-run SAFAR. Furr, AQI recorded near Mathura Road in Delhi was 554 (PM10) at 9:00 am on Friday, while near Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, AQI stood at 560 (PM10), Chandni Chowk recorded an AQI of 484 (PM10) and 488 ( PM2.5). Residents have been complaining of breathlessness and suffocation during ir morning walks. "Pollution has increased in Delhi in past 2-3 days. It is very important for everyone to maintain fitness in this wear. I am wearing a mask for very first time as air has become toxic," said Dr. Ashish Gupta, a resident of Delhi. Meanwhile, ar resident of city, Kartar Singh stressed that people must also help in efforts to deal with problem, "We should plant more trees and use public transport. If we will t take such steps, it will become worse in coming years." Moreover, residents of Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and ida complained of eye irritation and breathlessness due to dust particles in air. "We go to park for a run every day. But we are t able to exercise rigorously due to spike in air pollution. Also, garb is being burnt here because of which re is a lot of smoke that causes suffocation in wee hours," said Ayush, a resident of Ghaziabad.

READ | Delhi Schools To Remain Shut On vember 14 & 15, Following EPCA Recommendation

READ | Delhi Pollution: NDMC Deploys Water Sprinklers To Settle Dust As AQI Rises