New Delhi, Nov 19 (IANS) Amid worsening air quality in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday urged the Centre to intervene and approve artificial rain through cloud seeding as an emergency measure to combat the severe pollution crisis in the national capital.
In a letter addressed to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Rai called for an urgent meeting and immediate approval for cloud seeding operations.
Pollution levels have reached the ‘severe plus’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a critical 494. Despite implementing the strictest measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV, several monitoring stations have recorded AQI levels of 500, indicating a severe-plus situation.
Rai’s appeal came a day after the Supreme Court directed authorities not to ease GRAP Stage IV restrictions, even if AQI levels drop below 450, citing the need for sustained measures.
“The nation wants to know why the BJP-led central government cannot convene a meeting. Is it so irresponsible that they won’t even discuss solutions, let alone act? It’s unfortunate that despite repeated requests, there has been no response,” Rai told IANS.
He revealed that multiple letters had been sent to the Centre requesting a discussion on artificial rain, with no reply. He stressed the dire consequences of the current smog conditions, particularly on vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
“The situation of air medical emergency is not just for Delhi but for all of North India. Elderly people are struggling to breathe, and children are experiencing long-term negative health impacts, yet the BJP government remains inactive and indifferent,” he added.
“The smog conditions currently affecting the national capital need to be addressed urgently through emergency measures. I believe that the BJP government will take action soon. If the Union Environment Minister does not respond, I urge the Prime Minister to intervene,” Rai added.
Rai also criticised the BJP for distributing masks in Delhi while remaining inactive in addressing the root cause of the pollution crisis, stating, “Their ministers won’t even hold a single meeting, yet they are distributing masks in protest.”
“I urge BJP members to stop this drama and instead press their government to convene a meeting. If the Union Environment Minister is unwilling to act, he should at least distribute masks himself,” Rai said.
The Delhi government, Rai assured, is exploring every possible solution and consulting experts to address the crisis. “We are monitoring all aspects and will take whatever steps are necessary,” he concluded.
As pollution levels in Delhi remain in the severe category, the need for coordinated efforts between the central and state governments has become increasingly urgent.
–IANS
sd/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
