Gopal Rai Calls for Emergency Meeting to Address Delhi's Pollution Before Diwali

New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday, calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the implementation of artificial rain during peak pollution periods in the national capital. With Diwali approaching, Rai warned that air quality in Delhi is expected to deteriorate significantly in early November, and expressed concern about a delay of approximately one month in efforts for cloud seeding.

In his letter, Rai emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Delhi government, and other relevant agencies to expedite cloud seeding as an emergency measure. He stated that stakeholders must convene immediately to issue necessary clearances and facilitate the process. Rai mentioned that various institutions, including IIT Kanpur, had prepared a presentation on this, which has already been sent to the Union Environment Ministry.

Rai reminded the Union Minister about his earlier concerns raised in a letter dated August 30, 2024, regarding the hazardous air quality levels following Diwali. He reiterated the Delhi government's interest in using cloud seeding to artificially induce rain and reduce air pollution during critical periods. However, he stressed that clearances from various agencies of the Government of India are prerequisites for the implementation.

Highlighting efforts made in 2023, Rai noted that the Delhi government had explored cloud seeding during hazardous air quality days and that a presentation by IIT Kanpur supported this initiative. The presentation detailed the steps needed, including obtaining necessary clearances, and was forwarded to the Union Ministry.

On October 9, Rai held a meeting with government and private construction agencies at the Delhi Secretariat to discuss measures to curb dust pollution. The Delhi government launched its anti-dust campaign on October 7, inspecting construction sites and penalizing those not adhering to regulations. Rai mentioned that there are 120 construction sites in Delhi, and representatives from all were given training on minimizing dust pollution.

Rai highlighted the multifaceted winter action plan developed by the Delhi government, which includes measures like the 'Green Delhi' app, bio-decomposer spraying on farms, and the anti-dust campaign. He also mentioned upcoming initiatives to address vehicle pollution and biomass burning as part of efforts to improve air quality in the city.

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