Goa CM Pramod Sawant, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal exchange barbs over pollution

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday exchange barbs over the issue of pollution.Sawant asked Kejriwal to focus on tackling pollution in the national capital and not worry about Goa, drawing a quick response from the Delhi CM, who said the issue needs to be addressed collectively.Kejriwal had this week hailed the people of Goa for their efforts to protect the environment and accused the state's BJP government of suppressing public protests.

The Delhi CM was referring to a protest by various NGOs against three major projects on the ground the proposed ventures will benefit multinationals in the coal sector.The protesters had also expressed concern over the move to enhance coal handling capacity in Goa.

Reacting to Kejriwals statements, Sawant told reporters on Wednesday that the Delhi CM should worry about his city-state where pollution has become a major concern.

I was in Delhi and returned just today. I have seen how bad the air quality is (in Delhi). He (Kejriwal) should be concerned about his own area before talking about Goa, Sawant said.