New Delhi

Amid the deteriorating air quality index (AQI), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of India’s national capital Delhi wrote to the central government to convene an emergency meeting. On Tuesday (Nov 19), the AQI crossed the 500 mark at eight stations across Delhi, which is far beyond the ‘severe plus’ category.

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Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai in a press conference alleged that the federal government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was sitting over multiple requests made by his government to allow artificial rain. He told the press that he would once again write to the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.

Rai accused Yadav of ignoring the Delhi government’s requests for artificial rain, with him claiming to have sent letters in “August, September, October and today”.

"PM Modi should ask his Environment Minister to convene a meeting on artificial rain. Either give a solution or a clear path for artificial rains. If Central government cannot act, their minister should resign," he asserted.

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"Layers of smog have covered North India. Artificial rain is the only solution to get rid of smog. This is a medical emergency," Rai said.

Rai added that PM Modi must also intervene to tackle the crisis, and doing so was his “moral responsibility.”

Also read: Chinese man arrested in Delhi for duping over $47,000 in fake stock trading

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"PM Modi should intervene, it is his moral responsibility to act. The Centre should take steps to control pollution," the minister said.

Delhi’s ‘severe plus’ air quality has triggered the strictest Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV restrictions in the region.

The minister further talked about restrictions and measures that have been put in place in view of the severe AQI.

Watch: Delhi Air Pollution: AQI hits 500 In Several Parts; Delhi Implements Stage 4 Measures Under GRAP

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“We have banned BS-III petrol four-wheelers and BS-IV diesel vehicles. All trucks and diesel buses coming from outside have been banned. Schools have been closed for classes 10 and 1 as well. Thirdly, timings have been staggered for offices," he said.

"About work from home, we are also working on that. A decision will be taken soon. We will also implement that. We are working on all the things that are in our hands, and we will continue to do so," the minister noted.

(With inputs from agencies)