Experts Critique Union Budget's Limited Focus on Delhi's Air Pollution Control

Experts and data highlight concerns over Delhi's air pollution and the Union Budget 2026-27's limited focus on clean air initiatives. Despite chronic pollution and severe AQI levels near Parliament, the budget allocates Rs 1,091 crore mainly for pollution monitoring, a decrease from previous estimates. Delhi has utilized only 14% of its National Clean Air Programme funds since 2019, lagging behind neighboring NCR cities. Critics note increased funding for coal and carbon capture technologies, questioning the budget's environmental priorities.