Delhi to Induce Artificial Rain through Cloud Seeding to Combat Air Pollution

Strategic Insights -

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced a pioneering effort to combat the city's chronic air pollution by inducing artificial rain through cloud seeding, marking a first-of-its-kind attempt in the capital. The pilot project, which has completed its preparatory phase, aims to bring favorable weather conditions between October 28 and 30, with the city expected to witness its first artificial rainfall on October 29.

Key Takeaways:

  • Delhi is preparing to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding to combat air pollution, a first-of-its-kind attempt in the capital.
  • The India Meteorological Department has predicted favorable weather conditions between October 28 and 30, with the city likely to witness its first artificial rainfall on October 29.
  • The project has completed its preparatory phase, with experts successfully testing cloud seeding in the Burari area.
  • The Delhi government aims to make the capital's air clean and the environment balanced through this innovation.
  • The city is facing deteriorating air quality, with pollution levels persisting in the "very poor" category for several days.
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 305 on Thursday, with Anand Vihar recording a severe 410, the highest among monitoring stations.
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region to prevent further deterioration.
  • Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta expressed her gratitude to cabinet colleague Manjinder Singh Sirsa and all officials involved in making the effort successful.

Statistics:

  • 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi: 305 (Thursday)
  • Anand Vihar recorded a severe AQI of 410, the highest among monitoring stations.
  • 23 out of 38 monitoring locations reported "very poor" air quality, while 14 fell into the "poor" range.
  • Favorable weather conditions predicted between October 28 and 30.
  • First artificial rainfall expected on October 29.

Sources:

  • CPCB
  • Commission for Air Quality Management
  • News report by TOI News Desk (date not specified)
  • Post by Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on X (date not specified)