Artificial Rain in Delhi NCR to Control Pollution Levels? Gopal Rai Seeks Centre's Nod

New Delhi: Amid alarmingly high pollution levels in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday urged Centre to convene an emergency meeting to tackle issue and said it is moral responsibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in matter.

dressing a press conference, Rai said Centre has not acted on Delhi government's repeated requests to allow artificial rain in national capital and he will again write to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yav.

"Delhi is under GRAP (Gred 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 number of vehicles entering city.

"We are consulting specialists to explore measures to reduce smog. One of solutions under consideration is artificial rain, which can help settle pollutants and clear air," Rai said.

Union environment minister has not responded to repeated requests from Delhi government to call an emergency meeting over dire pollution situation in city and allowing artificial rain, he said.

"If central government cannot act, n ir (environment) minister should resign," he ded.

Rai also called on Modi to intervene in matter and said it was his moral responsibility to act.

He said he is drafting anor letter to Yav urging him to call emergency meeting.

" Delhi government is prepared to work alongside central government, but Centre must take le 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 said GRAP should be implemented across north India and accused BJP-led states of violating rules.

"GRAP-IV will remain in force if pollution persists, we will not give any relaxation, minister said. 

(Except for heline, this story has not been edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed.)