Tue Nov 19 19:52:06 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes on ‘Severe Plus’ Air Quality; AAP Blames BJP for Inaction
**New Delhi, November 20, 2024** – Delhi’s air quality plummeted to the worst in the country on Tuesday, reaching a “severe plus” Air Quality Index (AQI) of 460, prompting Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai to call the situation a “medical emergency.” Rai urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and expedite the approval for artificial rain-inducing measures, accusing the BJP-led central government of negligence in addressing the toxic air crisis affecting northern India.
Rai revealed that he has written four times to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in the last three months requesting permission for cloud seeding, but received no response. Artificial rain is part of the Delhi government’s 21-point Winter Action Plan. He further stated that if the central government cannot offer solutions beyond existing restrictions, it should at least facilitate artificial rain efforts. The AAP government is also considering additional measures such as the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme and a work-from-home policy.
The Delhi BJP, however, countered Rai’s claims, asserting that the air quality would have significantly improved had the AAP government in Punjab addressed the issue of stubble burning. They accused Rai of prioritizing “statements and letters about artificial rain” over addressing real issues, such as the impact of farm fires and dilapidated roads. Delhi BJP leaders staged protests, distributing N95 masks to citizens.
Several universities, including Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Milia Islamia, shifted to online classes until November 23, following Delhi University’s similar move. The severe air quality is expected to persist until Friday. According to the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, stubble burning in neighboring states contributed 13.06% to Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution levels on November 17.
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