Delhi Govt Seeks Centre's Nod For Artificial Rain Amid Severe Plus AQI

The BJP Party in Delhi protested against the AAP-led Delhi government over the increasing pollution which reached the 'severe plus' category for the third consecutive day.

For the third consecutive day, the pollution levels remained alarmingly high at 488 in the 'severe plus' category. 

Source : PTI

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote to the Central government, seeking intervention for artificial rain in the national capital to combat the worsening air pollution levels in the city. According to India Today, he told the media that layers of smog have covered North India adding that only artificial rain can get rid of the smog.  “This is a medical emergency," the Minister said while addressing the media. 

"PM Modi should intervene, it is his moral responsibility to act. The Centre should take steps to control pollution," he further said.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai writes to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, requesting him "to immediately convene an emergency meeting with Delhi Govt, IIT Kanpur and all other central Government Departments/agencies like DGCA, MHA, Ministry of Defence etc.… pic.twitter.com/8A6w1Leeuz

— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024

For the third consecutive day, the pollution levels remained alarmingly high at 488 in the 'severe plus' category. 

Delhi's air quality first entered the 'severe plus' category on Sunday, prompting the implementation of tighter pollution control measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) the next morning.

Delhi BJP Protest Against AAP Over Alarming Air Pollution Levels

Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers took to the streets of the city, to protest against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi regarding the issue of air pollution. The Delhi-BJP leaders distributed N95 masks to people near Rajiv Chow Metro station on Tuesday. 

While speaking to ANI, Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva said, the mask was a "warning of the times to come". He said that if the Kejriwal government isn't removed, people in the city will have to wear masks. 

"Pollution will not stop with advertisements and publicity. To stop pollution, one will have to work 24 hours a day...", Sachdeva added.

#WATCH | Delhi BJP leaders and workers hold protest against the AAP-led Delhi government over the issue of air pollution

Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva says, "...I want to alert the people of Delhi. This mask is a warning of the times to come. If Arvind Kejriwal's… pic.twitter.com/buU6TTrzv5

— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024

Similarly, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari too distributed masks to the public at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station. He along with other party members handed out N95 masks to the people as a measure to protect them from the polluted air.

#WATCH | Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari distributes masks to the public at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station as air quality remains in the 'Severe' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). pic.twitter.com/2E9sliLLlq

— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024

Speaking to ANI, Tiwari highlighted the growing concern over pollution in Delhi, drawing a comparison between the current situation and the imposition of an Emergency, implying a sense of urgency and crisis.

He criticised AAP and Kejriwal's government for their handling of the issue, suggesting that since mistakes have been made by them, the people of Delhi are bearing the brunt of the consequences. Tiwari stressed that awareness alone is insufficient, and advocates for a "concrete solution" to the pollution problem, which he claims only the BJP can provide.

"I think we all need to wake up now. We are trying to create awareness of wearing masks but there needs to be a concrete solution which only BJP can give," Manoj Tiwari told ANI.

"I request everyone to wear masks for the coming month and in future give a chance to the BJP so that we can keep Delhi away from using masks," he added.