Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has written to the Central government, requesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to initiate artificial rain in the capital to tackle the deteriorating air quality.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Rai stated, "Layers of smog have blanketed North India, and artificial rain is the only solution to clear the air. This has become a medical emergency." The call for action comes as Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous pollution levels.
"PM Modi should intervene, it is his moral responsibility to act. The Centre should take steps to control pollution."
The Delhi Minister's comments come as the city continues to grapple with extreme pollution, remaining the most polluted in the country today. A dense layer of smog has blanketed the national capital, with the Air Quality Index soaring to a hazardous 494, falling under the 'severe plus' category. Despite the enforcement of stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV measures, several air quality monitoring stations recorded readings surpassing the 500 mark.
During the press conference, Minister Gopal Rai also criticized Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, accusing him of failing to take action on the issue of artificial rain. "He has not called a single meeting on artificial rain despite my four letters sent in August, September, October, and today," Rai said.
Minister Gopal Rai further urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to instruct his Environment Minister to convene a meeting on the issue of artificial rain, stressing the urgency of the situation. "PM Modi should ask his Environment Minister to convene a meeting on artificial rain. Either give a solution or a clear path for artificial rains. If the Central government cannot act, their minister should resign," Rai asserted.
Rai also outlined the measures being taken by the Delhi government to address the crisis. "We have banned BS-III petrol four-wheelers and BS-IV diesel vehicles. All trucks and diesel buses coming from outside have been banned. Schools have been closed for classes 10 and 11 as well. Thirdly, we have staggered office timings," he explained.
Regarding work-from-home policies, Rai added, "We are also working on that. A decision will be taken soon. We will also implement that. We are working on all the things that are in our hands, and we will continue to do so."
The Delhi Minister also revealed that the Aam Aadmi Party government is considering the implementation of the odd-even scheme for vehicles as part of efforts to curb pollution. "We are examining the situation. As per experts, reducing vehicles on roads will be effective only when the layer of smog is cleared," Rai said.
Rai's appeal to the Centre for approval of artificial rain came just a day after the Supreme Court ordered authorities in Delhi-NCR not to lift the Stage 4 pollution restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped below the 450 mark.
During its hearing on Monday, the Supreme Court raised concerns over delays in implementing stricter measures to combat air pollution in Delhi.
Artificial rain, a process involving the dispersal of substances like silver iodide, potassium iodide, and dry ice into the atmosphere to trigger rainfall or snow, is being considered as a potential solution. The process typically takes about 30 minutes to generate rain.
In November 2023, the Delhi government also approached the Supreme Court to explore the possibility of using cloud seeding to reduce the city's AQI levels. However, the Court directed the AAP government to seek permission from the Centre before moving forward with the implementation of artificial rain.
(Source: Indiatoday)
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
