Delhi Seeks Centre’s Nod for Artificial Rain as Air Pollution Worsens

Delhi seeks Centre’s nod for artificial rain as AQI hits severe plus, smog worsens

Delhi’s air pollution has reached dangerous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching severe plus at several monitoring stations. On Tuesday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and urged the Centre to approve artificial rain to tackle the toxic air.

Rai criticised the Union administration during a press conference for being unresponsive to his repeated requests. We sent letters regarding cloud seeding to the Union Environment Minister on August 30, October 10, and October 23, but we never heard back. Rai stated that their minister ought to step down if they are unable to take action.

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Cloud seeding, or artificial rain, is a process where substances like silver iodide or dry ice are introduced into clouds to trigger rainfall. It helps settle pollutants and improve air quality. However, this method requires clearance from central agencies like the Ministry of Defence, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Airports Authority of India.

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Rai explained that the city is under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV restrictions, the strictest level. Measures include limiting private vehicle movement and banning trucks from entering the city. Despite these efforts, the pollution remains severe.

People are finding it hard to breathe. This is a medical emergency, Rai stated. He added that the Delhi government is consulting experts to explore solutions like artificial rain to reduce smog.

Over the past week, Delhi’s AQI hovered at hazardous levels—494 on Monday, 441 on Sunday, and 417 on Saturday. A dense smog has blanketed the city for seven consecutive days.

The Delhi government has shifted schools and colleges to online classes to protect students from exposure. Residents are being urged to stay indoors and wear masks when outside.

Rai called on the central government to convene an emergency meeting to address the crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative action to improve Delhi’s air quality.

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