'Delhi air pollution is medical emergency': Delhi minister seeks Centre nod for artificial rain; odd-even scheme likely to be back

Delhi air pollution crisis: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate artificial rain in the national capital as a measure to combat the worsening air pollution. Addressing the media, the minister described the situation as a "medical emergency," citing layers of smog enveloping North India.

"Artificial rain is the only solution to get rid of smog. PM Modi should intervene; it is his moral responsibility to act," Rai said. He also called on the Central Government to implement effective measures to curb pollution, criticising the lack of action despite the city's air quality plummeting to alarming levels.

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 494 on Tuesday, falling under the ‘severe plus’ category. Many air monitoring stations in the city recorded the maximum possible AQI reading of 500, highlighting the gravity of the pollution crisis.

Rai accused Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav of failing to address the issue, claiming that his repeated requests for meetings on artificial rain since August had gone unanswered. "PM Modi should instruct the Environment Minister to convene a meeting. If the Centre cannot act, their minister should resign," Rai said.

Rai also mentioned that the government was considering implementing the odd-even vehicle scheme to further reduce emissions. However, he noted that experts believe such measures would only be effective after the smog layer was cleared.

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