Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday wrote to the Central government, seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention for artificial rain in the national capital in an effort to combat the worsening air pollution levels in the national capital.
"Layers of smog have covered North India. Artificial rain is the only solution to get rid of smog. This is a medical emergency," the Minister said while addressing the media on Tuesday.
The Delhi Minister's remarks come as the city remained the most polluted in the country today, with a thick layer of smog blanketing the national capital.
The Air Quality Index spiked to an alarming 494 under the 'severe plus' category. Despite the implementation of the strictest Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV restrictions in Delhi, several air monitoring stations touched the 500 mark.
During the press conference, Rai also slammed Union Environment Minister, Bhupendra Yadav, saying the latter "has not called a single meeting on artificial rain despite my four letters sent in August, September, October and today".
"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 Central government cannot act, their minister should resign," he asserted.
On measures taken by the Delhi government, Rai said, "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 1 as well. Thirdly, timings have been staggered for offices."
"About work from home, 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," he noted.
The Delhi Minister further said that the Aam Aadmi Party government is also discussing the possibilities of implementing the odd-even scheme for vehicles.
"We are examining the situation. As per experts, reducing vehicles on roads will be effective only when the layer of smog is cleared."
Rai's letter to the Centre seeking a nod for artificial rain came a day after the Supreme Court directed authorities in Delhi-NCR not to lift the Stage 4 pollution curbs under GRAP even if the AQI fell below the 450 mark.
In its hearing on Monday, the top court flagged a delay in the implementation of stricter measures to check air pollution.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL RAIN
Artificial rain involves the dispersion of substances such as silver iodide, potassium iodide, and dry ice into the atmosphere to stimulate the formation of rain or snow. The process typically takes about half an hour to generate rain.
In November 2023 as well, the Delhi government approached the Supreme Court to discuss the possibility of inducing artificial rain through cloud seeding to bring down the AQI levels in the city.
The top court, however, asked the AAP government to instead approach the Centre and seek permission for the implementation.
