Gopal Rai seeks PM’s help on pollution

The AAP government in Delhi has urged the Prime Minister to expedite the process of implementing artificial rain in the capital. This request follows repeated attempts by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai to engage with the Union Environment Minister, who has yet to respond. On Tuesday, Rai wrote to the Union Minister for the fourth time, requesting a joint meeting with stakeholders to secure the necessary clearances for artificial rain. The Delhi government considers artificial rain an urgent step to combat pollution but requires NOCs from central agencies such as DGCA, MHA, and the Defence Ministry to proceed.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai criticized the Union Environment Minister for inaction amid a severe smog crisis affecting northern India. Highlighting the health risks, particularly for children and the elderly, he called for urgent measures, including artificial rain, to disperse pollutants like PM10 and PM2.5. Rai urged the central government to convene an emergency meeting with experts and key ministries to implement this solution, expressing frustration over the lack of response to repeated appeals.
Minister Gopal Rai recalled a previous emergency when IIT Kanpur scientists presented a proposal for artificial rain, outlining the necessary permissions required from various departments. However, due to time constraints at the time, progress was limited. To prevent such delays, Rai stated that preparations for this year’s emergency began as early as August. Despite this, his repeated appeals to the Union Environment Minister have gone unanswered.
Rai shared that he first wrote to the Union Minister on August 30, followed by letters on October 10 and October 23, all requesting a meeting to address the issue. Despite an online meeting with the Union Environment and Agriculture Ministers, no actionable decisions were made, and no follow-up meeting was convened. Highlighting the current crisis, Rai noted the severe smog affecting Delhi and North India, turning the situation into a medical emergency.
According to scientists consulted by the Delhi Government, the smog can only be dispersed through strong winds or artificial rain, a proven method in various parts of the world. Rai criticized the BJP-led central government for its lack of urgency, stating that, despite repeated letters in August, September, October, and November, the Union Environment Minister has not convened a single meeting. He stressed that decisions about implementing artificial rain, including obtaining the necessary permissions, can only be made after such a meeting.
Rai expressed his frustration at the inaction, pointing out that in other countries, such repeated requests would have prompted immediate action. Yet in India, even after four letters, there has been no confirmation or response regarding a meeting. He called this negligence incomprehensible, given the severe health crisis unfolding across the region.

Minister Gopal Rai criticized the BJP for its inaction, stating, “This reflects the BJP’s negligence. I appeal to the Prime Minister to address the crisis in North India urgently. If the Central Government has an alternative solution, it must be implemented immediately to provide relief from this pollution-induced medical emergency.” He added, “If no alternative exists, the Union Environment Minister must convene an emergency meeting to discuss artificial rain without delay.” Rai concluded by urging the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure swift action to alleviate the suffering of people across North India.