Delhi government flags air emergency asks PM Modi to authorize artificial rain
New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and authorize artificial rain to combat the severe air pollution engulfing the national capital. Calling it a "medical emergency," Rai stressed that artificial rain is the only immediate solution to address the worsening smog.
"Smog has blanketed North India, and artificial rain is necessary to clear the air. PM Modi should take responsibility and act immediately," Rai said during a press conference on Tuesday.
The air quality in Delhi has deteriorated to dangerous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a staggering 494 in the 'severe plus' category. Some air monitoring stations have even recorded readings of 500, the maximum measurable level. Despite the strict enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV, which imposes the toughest anti-pollution measures, the city's air remains hazardous.
Rai criticized Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav for not addressing the issue adequately, alleging that the latter had ignored multiple letters regarding artificial rain. "I have written to the Environment Minister in August, September, October, and today, but there has been no action. If the Central government cannot take steps, the Minister should resign," he said.
Rai called on PM Modi to instruct Yadav to convene a meeting on artificial rain, demanding either a concrete solution or approval for implementing the measure.
The Delhi government has already taken several steps to mitigate pollution. These include:
- Banning BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in the city.
- Prohibiting trucks and diesel buses from entering Delhi.
- Closing schools for certain grades.
- Staggering office timings to reduce peak traffic congestion.
Rai also stated that the government is considering implementing the odd-even vehicle scheme again and is evaluating the feasibility of a work-from-home policy for offices.
"We are doing everything within our capacity, but reducing vehicles on the roads will only be effective after the smog clears," he explained.
Rai’s appeal follows the Supreme Court's directive on Monday, which instructed authorities in Delhi-NCR not to lift GRAP Stage 4 pollution curbs even if AQI levels fall below 450. The court emphasized the need for continued measures until the air quality improves significantly.
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Noida airport to begin ops next month with IndiGo flights to Lucknow, Bengaluru
Noida (PTI): IndiGo on Thursday announced that it will start commercial flight operations from the Noida International Airport in Jewar from June 15, becoming the launch carrier for the greenfield airport in western Uttar Pradesh.
The first day flights will be to and fro Lucknow and Bengaluru, the airline said in a statement.
Noida International Airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28.
IndiGo said it will be the first carrier to start commercial services from the airport, the third in the National Capital Region (NCR).
According to the airline, inaugural flights on June 15 will operate on the Lucknow-Noida-Bengaluru-Noida-Lucknow sector.
As per the announced schedule, flight 6E 2278 will depart from Lucknow at 7.05 am and arrive in Noida at 8.05 am before departing for Bengaluru at 8.35 am and landing there at 11.05 am.
The return flight, 6E 2279, will leave Bengaluru at 3.45 pm and reach Noida at 6.20 pm before departing for Lucknow at 6.55 pm and arriving there at 8 pm.
IndiGo said it will gradually introduce direct flights connecting Noida International Airport to more than 16 destinations across the country, including metro cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, besides tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Amritsar, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Jaipur, Lucknow, Navi Mumbai, Pantnagar and Srinagar.
The airline said bookings for the flights are being opened in phases through its website, mobile application and authorised travel partners.
Aloke Singh, Chief Strategy Officer of IndiGo, said the airline was pleased to announce the launch of operations from Noida International Airport.
"Strategically positioned on the Yamuna Expressway, Noida International Airport will be the new gateway for western Uttar Pradesh alongside the NCR. As we continue to expand our operations, we remain committed to delivering affordable, on-time and hassle-free travel experiences," Singh said.
IndiGo said the airport is expected to emerge as a major domestic aviation hub and will strengthen connectivity between Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh through integrated road and rail infrastructure.
