In response to the alarming rise in air pollution levels following Diwali celebrations, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has declared cloud seeding a vital necessity for the national capital. This announcement follows her earlier revelation about plans for artificial rain in Delhi. CM Gupta stated, “Cloud seeding is a necessity for Delhi and is the first experiment of its kind. We want to try it in Delhi to see if it can help us control this very serious environmental problem.” She expressed confidence in the experiment’s success, believing it will pave the way for overcoming environmental challenges in the future.
Delhi Poised for First Artificial Rain on October 29
Following a successful test run in the Burari area, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that Delhi is expected to experience its first-ever artificial rain on October 29, provided weather conditions are favorable. According to meteorological forecasts, cloudy conditions are anticipated on October 28, 29, and 30, creating the right environment for this innovative initiative. Gupta highlighted the technological significance of this project, emphasizing its role in establishing a scientific approach to pollution control in Delhi. The government’s objective is to actively improve the city’s air quality and restore environmental balance through this technological advancement.
Delhi’s Air Quality Suffers Post-Diwali
The festival of Diwali, marked by widespread firecracker usage across Delhi-NCR, has led to a significant deterioration in air quality, pushing it into the ‘severe category’. While the winter season typically sees an increase in air pollution, experts note a shift in pollutant types. Initially dominated by photochemical pollutants like ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the early part of the season, the air quality has recently seen a sharp rise in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). This change is attributed by experts to increased combustion-driven emissions, primarily from firecrackers, compounded by contributions from vehicles, industries, and local burning activities.