Central, Delhi, state ministers meet to tackle pollution crisis

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is intensifying its efforts to combat winter pollution in Delhi, with Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasising the urgent need for coordinated action across northern India. During a recent meeting with central and state ministers, Rai called for proactive measures to address rising pollution levels, particularly through stubble-burning control and firecracker restrictions.

The meeting included key figures including Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, along with agriculture ministers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The chairperson of the Central Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) and other central officials were also present.

“With the arrival of winter, Delhi’s pollution levels tend to rise significantly due to unfavourable weather conditions, impacting not just Delhi but all of northern India,” said Gopal Rai, voicing the concerns of residents. He noted that the timing of this year’s meeting was particularly crucial, having taken place later than last year’s discussions. “Had this meeting happened three months ago, as it did last year, we might have seen better planning to manage stubble burning,” he remarked.

Rai acknowledged that while incidents of stubble burning are declining, the period following Diwali remains critical. “I urge all ministers to implement a special plan for this time, enabling daily monitoring in districts with high frequency of stubble burning,” he added. He explained that swift action during this period could significantly help reduce pollution levels.

Additionally, Rai has been advocating for artificial rainfall in Delhi, having reached out to the central environment minister on three occasions over the past month and a half.