New Delhi

Amid Delhi’s worsening air quality, Environment Minister Gopal Rai has urged the Centre to approve cloud seeding as an emergency measure to tackle the pollution crisis. In a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Rai requested an immediate meeting and approval for cloud seeding operations. Pollution levels in the city have hit a critical Air Quality Index (AQI) of 494, with some monitoring stations recording AQI levels of 500, placing the city in the “severe plus” category.

Despite the strictest measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV, the situation remains dire. Rai expressed frustration at the Centre’s lack of response to multiple letters requesting a discussion on artificial rain. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Rai criticized the BJP government for distributing masks in the city without addressing the root cause of the pollution. He called for a meeting to find effective solutions and, if the Union Minister remains unresponsive, urged the Prime Minister to intervene. Rai assured that the Delhi government is actively exploring solutions and consulting experts to mitigate the crisis. With pollution levels in the severe category, coordinated efforts between the Centre and state governments are essential for relief.