India, Dec. 23 -- As Delhi continues to reel under severe air pollution, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday highlighted the transport sector's significant role in worsening air quality and called for urgent measures to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Speaking on the crisis at a book launch, Gadkari said, "If there is any true nationalism today, it is reducing imports and increasing exports. But look at our situation. I stayed in Delhi for two days and developed a throat infection. Delhi is troubled by pollution. I am the Road Transport Minister, and around 40 percent of pollution is linked to our sector."

"Fossil fuels are limited, and pollution is increasing. Can't we reduce fossil fuel usage?" h...