Consider cloud seeding: Delhi Minister urges centre for artificial rain to combat pollution

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, November 19, 2024: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday wrote to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, requesting him to convene an emergency meeting with the Delhi government and several other ministries and agencies, to conduct cloud seeding in Delhi to tackle the problem of air pollution.

“As on date in Delhi, the AQI has already crossed the 450 level and the GRAP-IV has been invoked and all measures under the GRAP-IV are being strictly taken in Delhi," the letter read.

“Delhi Government has already implemented the Winter Action Plan w.e.f. 25th September., to combat air pollution and is making continuous efforts to explore alternate solutions for immediate relief to improve air quality," it read.

“Considering that Air Quality in Delhi has turned in severe+ category, I believe it is immediately required to consider the use of this method," it stated.

“In view of the above, I once again request you to immediately convene an emergency meeting with Delhi Govt, IIT Kanpur and all other Central Government Departments/agencies like DGCA, MHA, Ministry of Defence etc. involved in issuing NOC/clearance to conduct cloud seeding in Delhi as an emergency measure."

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai writes to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, requesting him "to immediately convene an emergency meeting with Delhi Govt, IIT Kanpur and all other central Government Departments/agencies like DGCA, MHA, Ministry of Defence etc.… pic.twitter.com/8A6w1Leeuz

— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024

On Monday, Rai asserted that the Delhi government is “doing its part" and demanded the Centre take immediate action to protect not just Delhi, but the entire North India region.

“At its level, the Delhi government is taking all possible steps. We have directed all officials to ensure strict implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) IV guidelines. I demand that the Central government take emergency measures so that the whole of north India can be saved from this situation," Rai said addressing a press conference in the national capital.

Highlighting the reduced incidents of stubble burning in Punjab, the minister also expressed concerns over the purported increase in stubble burning cases in Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi’s air quality ’severe plus’

The air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘severe plus’ category for the second consecutive day on Tuesday morning, with smog shrouding the city, reducing visibility and worsening air pollution to touch an alarmingly high level of poor Air Quality Index (AQI).

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI at 488 as of 8 am, placing it in the ‘severe plus’ category, news agency ANI reported.

At such high AQI levels, the air is considered hazardous to health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions.