New Delhi: As the capital continues to choke with hazardous pollution levels, the Delhi BJP on Monday launched an awareness campaign against the same by distributing masks outside the Central Secretariat Metro Station. Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva said that all restrictions have failed to reduce pollution."Restrictions like GRAP-1, GRAP-2, GRAP-3, and now have failed to reduce pollution in Delhi. This clearly indicates the need to focus on reducing dust particles in Delhi and preventing stubble burning in Punjab, rather than merely imposing bans," he added. The symbolic protest was organised as the (AQI) in the national capital breached the 475 mark. The campaign aimed to raise public awareness about the necessity of wearing masks. The event was held at the Krishi Bhawan Gate of the Central Secretariat Metro Station and was led by Virendra Sachdeva.Other attendees included MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Praveen Khandelwal, National Spokesperson Sardar R.P. Singh, and Media Head Mr. Praveen Shankar Kapoor. The event was organised by NDMC member Sarita Tomar, Office Secretary Brijesh Rai, Assistant Office Secretary Amit Gupta, and Media Relations Co-Head Gaurav Prashar, an official release added. During the event, Sachdeva addressed the media and stated that Delhiites are being forced to breathe toxic air as the pollution levels have reached an AQI of 475. He criticized the Delhi government’s performance over the past decade, blaming it for the health issues faced by the public, such as coughs and colds.ALSO READ | He posed a direct question to the Delhi government, pointing out that even the imposition of GRAP-4 hasn’t reduced pollution. He emphasized that rather than imposing restrictions, efforts should focus on reducing dust in Delhi and addressing stubble burning in Punjab, a matter on which the AAP leadership remains silent.Sachdeva also referred to a recent letter by Kailash Gahlot discussing pollution, terming it a strong rebuttal to former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s claims of numerous measures to combat pollution. He stated that managing events will not resolve pollution; consistent work throughout the year is required.MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Delhi the most polluted capital in the world. He held Arvind Kejriwal solely responsible, citing the failure to improve public transport over the past decade.While there were 7,000 buses in 2013, the number has now reduced to 3,500. He also mentioned the Supreme Court’s acknowledgment of Delhi’s poorly maintained roads as a significant contributor to pollution. Additionally, incidents of stubble burning in Punjab have reportedly tripled, turning Delhi into a gas chamber.MP Praveen Khandelwal expressed concern over the rising pollution and criticized the AAP government’s inaction. He attributed the AQI crossing 475 to the negligence of the Delhi government and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has not taken substantial measures to address the root causes of pollution.