New Delhi, Nov 19 (Reporter) As air quality in Delhi-NCR reaches hazardous levels, the Delhi Government on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the central government to convene an emergency meeting to address the issue. Addressing the media, Minister Gopal Rai highlighted that he had written to the Union Environment Minister for the fourth time, requesting a joint meeting with stakeholders to obtain clearances for artificial rain in Delhi. "Artificial rain is needed in Delhi as an emergency measure to reduce pollution and help citizens at this critical juncture. While the Delhi Government is willing to initiate this emergency measure, it needs no-objection certificates (NOCs) from several central agencies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence," he emphasized. Expressing his frustration over the Union Environment Minister’s inaction despite repeated appeals, Rai said, “Over the past three days, a thick blanket of smog has enveloped the entire northern region of India, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and even Bihar. This has prevented particulate matter, such as PM10 and PM2.5, from dispersing into the atmosphere." "As a result, air quality has deteriorated significantly, leading to a severe health crisis across North India. It is having a negative impact on the respiratory health of the elderly and children," the Minister added, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "In Delhi, Grade VI measures have been implemented across the city and its surrounding areas. Efforts are being made to reduce vehicular pollution by imposing stricter restrictions on vehicles, including private cars and trucks," Rai said, calling for the immediate need for action to address the worsening smog in the National Capital. "After consulting with several experts, we believe the time has come to use artificial rain to break this layer of smog in Delhi," he added. In a letter to the Union Environment Minister, Rai proposed that the meeting include representatives from the Delhi Government, experts from IIT Kanpur—who have conducted research on artificial rain—and key central government ministries such as the DGCA, MHA, and the Ministry of Defence, along with other relevant departments . “We held a meeting with scientists from IIT Kanpur, and they presented a proposal outlining the necessary permissions required from various departments for artificial rain. At that time, there was a shortage of time,” he highlighted. According to scientists consulted by the Delhi Government, the smog layer can only be dispersed in two ways: either through strong winds or, as demonstrated by experiments in various parts of the world, through artificial rain or natural rainfall, the Minister said adding, “It is deeply disheartening to say that in India, the BJP-led central government has shown a lack of urgency, even as half of North India suffers from severe pollution.” “Despite repeated appeals and letters sent in August, September, October, and now on November 19, there has been no effort from the Union Environment Minister to call a meeting,” he alleged. Rai emphasized that decisions regarding whether artificial rain can take place, how it will happen, and whether the necessary permissions will be granted can only be made after a meeting. “Yet, the BJP government and its Union Environment Minister have not even found the time to convene one. This negligence is beyond comprehension,” he said. “If such repeated requests were made to a minister in another country, they would have likely called a meeting. But here, despite four letters, there hasn’t even been a response to confirm whether a meeting will be held,” the Minister added. Accusing the BJP of negligence, Rai said, “This is the BJP’s carelessness. I want to make an appeal today, including to the Prime Minister of the country, to find a solution to this crisis in North India. If they have any other solution, it should be implemented, as we need relief from this medical emergency and pollution crisis.” “If the Central government and the Union Environment Minister have no alternative solutions, they must call an emergency meeting for artificial rain immediately,” he said, urging the Prime Minister to direct them to convene this meeting without delay and take swift action to provide relief to the people of North India...////...