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.

- TIKAM SHARMA

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