Amid Alarming Pollution Levels, Delhi To Decide On Work-From-Home, Odd-Even Measures

Gopal Rai stated that the Delhi government will "take a decision soon" on the possibility of implementing work-from-home measures. 

Vehicles ply on a road amid smoggy conditions near New Delhi on Tuesday, November 19.

Source : PTI

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday that a decision regarding the implementation of work-from-home measures and the odd-even scheme will be taken soon in order to curb the worsening air quality in the city. This comes as the national capital continues to choke on toxic air, which has remained in the "severe plus" category since Sunday (November 17), with AQI readings above 450.

"People, including children and senior citizens, are struggling to breathe and we deeply regret this situation," Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai told news agency PTI.

Rai stated that the Delhi government will "take a decision soon" on the possibility of implementing work-from-home measures. 

The minister further said that significant restrictions on vehicles under GRAP-IV have already been imposed. "We are analyzing the impact of these measures. If the analysis shows a positive outcome, we will take further decisions accordingly,” he said.

Rai called the current situation in Delhi a "medical emergency", emphasising the need for collective action. "This is a time of medical emergency, and we all need to work together to address the situation," he said. 

Gopal Rai Urges Immediate Intervention From Centre On Cloud Seeding

Earlier today, Gopal Rai wrote to the Centre seeking immediate intervention for artificial rain in the national capital to tackle the worsening pollution levels. He said that he had written to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav four times, seeking urgent clearances for cloud seeding. 

"Despite repeated requests through letters on August 30, October 10, and October 23, the Union Environment Minister has not taken cognisance of the situation or responded to the Delhi government’s appeals," Rai stated in his latest letter. 

Rai also stated that even though the GRAP-IV restrictions were imposed, the thick smog blanket could only be removed by rain or wind, adding that artificial rain is a viable emergency measure that AAP government is ready to fund whoch can only be carried out by clearances from  key central agencies such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Defence.