Delhi government seeks Centres approval for artificial rain to combat rising pollution

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Delhi government seeks Centre's approval for artificial rain to combat rising pollution

In Reports
03:34 PM, Nov 19, 2024
Myind Staff

As Delhi's pollution levels reach dangerously high levels, Environment Minister Gopal Rai called on the Centre to hold an urgent conference to address the problem and stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a moral responsibility to step in. Speaking at a press conference, Rai stated that the Centre has not responded to the Delhi government's continuous appeals to permit artificial rain in the national capital.

Rai mentioned that he would once again send a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on the matter. "Delhi is under GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage IV restrictions, and we are taking every possible step to reduce vehicular and industrial pollution. Restrictions have been imposed on private vehicles and trucks, aiming to curb the number of vehicles entering the city. We are consulting specialists to explore measures to reduce the smog. One of the solutions under consideration is artificial rain, which can help settle pollutants and clear the air," Rai said.

He claimed that the Delhi government has repeatedly asked the Union environment minister to call an emergency meeting to address the city's severe pollution problem and the permitting of artificial rain, but the minister has not responded. "If the central government cannot act, then their (environment) minister should resign," he added. Rai also urged Modi to take action, claiming that it was his moral responsibility to do so. He added that he is writing another letter to Yadav to urge him to call the emergency meeting.

"The Delhi government is prepared to work alongside the central government, but the Centre must take the lead by convening a meeting involving experts from IIT Kanpur who have conducted extensive research on artificial rain. This requires permission and collaboration from various central departments," he said. Rai criticised BJP-led states for breaking the GRAP and stated that it should be applied throughout northern India. "GRAP-IV will remain in force if pollution persists, we will not give any relaxation, the minister added.

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