Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on Sunday the imminent deployment of 10,000 civil defence volunteers (CDVs), previously removed from their roles as bus marshals last year, to aid agencies in combating the city’s air pollution. This redeployment is expected to begin within the next two to four days, Atishi stated at a press conference. Additionally, she shared plans to submit a proposal for the permanent engagement of these volunteers with Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena for approval within the week.

The announcement follows a letter from LG Saxena, who noted his prior directive to reinstate the CDVs had not yet been acted upon. In his letter, Saxena remarked, “Of course, you and your party leaders may continue to do politics of taking credit for their reinstatement, but any more delay in the welfare of these economically weaker and helpless people is not right in any way.”

Last year in November, around 10,000 CDVs were removed from their positions on Delhi’s public buses following concerns raised by the revenue and finance departments. During the press conference, Atishi highlighted that a meeting last week had already designated the CDVs for various anti-pollution initiatives. “Their call out will begin in the next two to four days,” she confirmed.

Atishi did not hold back in criticising the BJP, urging them to “stop their dirty politics” regarding the issue. She asserted that the BJP would likely attempt to obstruct the AAP government’s proposal to the LG for CDV permanent placements. “I want to ask BJP leaders to stop their dirty politics. First, their salaries were stopped in April last year, and they were removed in October 2023 due to BJP's conspiracy,” she remarked, adding that AAP functionaries had provided full support to the volunteers after their pay was halted.

Responding to Atishi’s remarks, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva expressed surprise at her reaction, noting the chief minister’s frustration over the LG's directive being reiterated by the BJP. “Atishi ji... I am coming to your official residence on Nov 4 with functionaries and workers to demand the reinstatement,” he stated.

As the city continues to grapple with severe air quality challenges, the deployment of these CDVs is seen as a crucial measure. The proposal for their permanent engagement, however, awaits final approval, amid ongoing political tensions between the AAP-led Delhi government and the BJP.