Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has taken a proactive stance against rising pollution levels in the national capital. On Wednesday, he wrote to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging him to gather all stakeholders for a meeting to address the critical issue of air quality.
This letter marks Rai’s third attempt to engage the central government in discussions about potential solutions, particularly the use of cloud seeding as a way to mitigate pollution.
In his letter, Rai emphasised the pressing need to consider cloud seeding, a method that involves artificially inducing rainfall to cleanse the air. He pointed out that the Delhi Government had already initiated the Winter Action Plan on September 25 and is actively seeking alternative measures for immediate relief from pollution.
The situation has become increasingly dire, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) already exceeding 350, prompting the invocation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) II.
Rai’s correspondence also serves as a reminder of the concerns he previously raised in letters dated August 30 and October 10 regarding the deteriorating air quality, particularly during the winter months and around festivals like Diwali.
He stressed that the hazardous pollution levels experienced during this time require urgent action, including the consideration of cloud seeding as an emergency measure.
The minister highlighted that the Delhi Government had explored cloud seeding in the past as a potential solution to combat pollution. However, he noted that the implementation of this method requires clearances from various central government agencies. Given the alarming predictions for air quality after November 1, Rai underscored the importance of acting swiftly to adopt this method.
Rai also expressed concerns about the impact of northwesterly winds, which could worsen pollution in Delhi due to stubble burning in neighbouring states. He referenced information from the Meteorological Department, indicating that these winds could exacerbate pollution levels, leading to even more hazardous conditions for residents. To mitigate this risk, he has alerted all relevant departments and is advocating for timely intervention.
Additionally, Rai’s advocacy extends beyond just cloud seeding. He has reached out to the Transport Ministers of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, urging them to stop the entry of diesel vehicles into Delhi until the weather improves. This measure is seen as essential to curbing pollution levels in the city, which are often aggravated by vehicular emissions.
Addressing the issue of stubble burning, Rai noted a significant decline in incidents in Punjab, with 1,400 cases reported this year compared to 3,559 in 2022. Despite this reduction, he maintains that proactive measures are still needed to prevent air quality from deteriorating further.
The Delhi Environment Minister’s efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for a collaborative approach to combat pollution. By seeking to convene a meeting with all stakeholders, he hopes to foster a comprehensive discussion that includes the central government, local authorities, and other relevant parties. This collective effort could lead to more effective solutions for addressing the pollution crisis and protecting public health.
As the winter months approach, the urgency to address air quality in Delhi intensifies. The interplay of various factors, including weather patterns, vehicular emissions, and agricultural practices in neighbouring states, creates a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted response.
The potential use of cloud seeding is one innovative approach that could offer relief, but it necessitates cooperation and action from all levels of government.
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