New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) As air quality in Delhi-NCR reaches hazardous levels, the Delhi Government on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the central government to convene an emergency meeting to address the issue.
Addressing the media, Minister Gopal Rai highlighted that he had written to the Union Environment Minister for the fourth time, requesting a joint meeting with stakeholders to obtain clearances for artificial rain in Delhi.
“Artificial rain is needed in Delhi as an emergency measure to reduce pollution and help citizens at this critical juncture. While the Delhi Government is willing to initiate this emergency measure, it needs no-objection certificates (NOCs) from several central agencies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence,” he emphasized.
Expressing his frustration over the Union Environment Minister’s inaction despite repeated appeals, Rai said, “Over the past three days, a thick blanket of smog has enveloped the entire northern region of India, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and even Bihar. This has prevented particulate matter, such as PM10 and PM2.5, from dispersing into the atmosphere.”
“As a result, air quality has deteriorated significantly, leading to a severe health crisis across North India. It is having a negative impact on the respiratory health of the elderly and children,” the Minister added, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
“In Delhi, Grade VI measures have been implemented across the city and its surrounding areas. Efforts are being made to reduce vehicular pollution by imposing stricter restrictions on vehicles, including private cars and trucks,” Rai said, calling for the immediate need for action to address the worsening smog in the National Capital.
“After consulting with several experts, we believe the time has come to use artificial rain to break this layer of smog in Delhi,” he added.
