It is necessary to work together with the Centre and neighbouring states to tackle pollution in Delhi: Gopal Rai

New Delhi. Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday said that the problem of pollution in Delhi can be solved only by joint efforts of all. He urged the central government to allow artificial rain during winters, as the air quality level in the city drops during this period. Addressing a press conference here, Rai said that although the Delhi government has taken several steps to address the problem, the pollution level in and around the national capital increases in November. He said, an emergency situation arises in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The Kejriwal government is working to reduce the level of pollution. Since our government has come to power, the level of pollution has decreased. He said that but an increase in the level of pollution is seen in November. Rai said, “Last year IIT-Kanpur had submitted a proposal that artificial rain or ‘cloud seeding’ can be used in Delhi.” He said that financial management and security permission is required for this. Last year, the time was very less, so the permission could not be obtained. He said, we held a meeting with experts and I wrote a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav seeking help from the Center. Rai said that he has requested a meeting with central agencies and experts from IIT Kanpur to discuss the proposal of artificial rain. Rai had written a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav last week urging the Center to convene a meeting with all stakeholders to evaluate the feasibility of ‘cloud seeding’ to make artificial rain in Delhi to deal with air pollution in winter. He said, “For the use of this technology in Delhi, permission is required from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Home Affairs, SPG, Delhi Government, Airports Authority of India, IMD, CPCB, ASI, BCAS and Uttar Pradesh Government. We are ready to give money and permission from our side, but we need the cooperation of the Center. “At a press conference on Sunday, Rai said that to deal with the problem of pollution, there is a need to work together with everyone and the cooperation of the Center and neighboring states. He cited various steps taken to reduce pollution in the national capital, including purchase of electric buses and increasing green cover. Referring to the BJP and the Congress, he said, “If other parties have any suggestions to reduce pollution, we will be happy to implement it.” The BJP on Saturday criticised the Delhi government, accusing it of indulging in political manoeuvring and correspondence with the Centre on the issue of air pollution instead of taking concrete steps to tackle the health hazard. The ruling AAP had rejected these allegations.