Work from Home, artificial rain among pollution control strategies of Delhi govt

Artificial rain, a work-from-home policy, a ban on vehicles in air pollution hotspots, and awareness campaigns to bring about a change in citizens’ behaviour are likely to feature in the Delhi government’s Winter Action Plan, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Rai said suggestions were sought from officials of various departments and environment experts on dealing with the period around Deepavali when the air is calm and the pollutants cannot disperse. The government will discuss the suggestions on September 5 before releasing the action plan, he said, adding that artificial rain was the top recommendation.

“I will write a letter to the Union Environment Minister, requesting him to hold a meeting with the experts of IIT Kanpur and the departments concerned to enable artificial rain as an emergency measure. Last year as well, we had received this suggestion…but we need the Centre to come on board,” Mr. Rai said.