India, July 9 -- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday highlighted the gravity of the pollution problem in Delhi-NCR, saying he "starts thinking about leaving" after he visits the national capital.

He also urged the pushing of anti-pollution measures like alternative fuels and large-scale plantation drives.

"I stay in Delhi for two or three days only, and when I arrive, I start thinking about when I will leave. I book my return tickets first. You should take this issue seriously," the road transport and highways minister was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

His remarks came during a plantation drive, 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0', at Faridabad-Noida International Airport Road in Gautam Buddha Nagar.

The Union Minister also raised ala...