As Delhi struggles to combat increased levels of pollution after Diwali festivities, Environment Minister Gopal Rai has explained why the government has kept on hold immediate implementation of artificial rain in the national capital. Addressing journalists on Monday, Rai explained that the city’s deteriorating air quality was being monitored closely, but weather conditions were “not suitable” for cloud seeding at this point.
Artificial rain requires particular cloud conditions.
Describing the scientific rationale, the minister said that artificial rain is only possible when there are sufficient moisture-laden clouds in the atmosphere. “When the clouds arrive, we can plan cloud seeding. Without those, it’s technically impossible,” he added. The technique includes seeding clouds with materials such as silver iodide or sodium chloride to induce rainfall — but under clear or dry skies, the technique does not work.
Very poor’ AQI sparks health issues
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on Monday remained in the “very poor” category, hovering around 360–390 across several monitoring stations. While this marks a slight improvement from last week’s “severe” readings, the air quality continues to pose significant health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Health experts have urged residents to minimize outdoor activities and use masks when stepping out.
Government exploring alternative measures
With cloud seeding eliminated for the time being, the Delhi government has continued with other pollution-control measures under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These range from bans on construction and demolition work to the use of water sprinklers and anti-smog guns, as well as increased checking of automobiles’ emissions. Officials have additionally cautioned that tougher stages of GRAP may be implemented if the air quality declines further.
Collaboration with IIT-Kanpur on hold
The Delhi administration had previously collaborated with IIT-Kanpur to carry out the nation’s first artificial rain experiment to help control pollution. The proposal was to use planes to spray cloud-seeding chemicals over targeted areas of the capital. But the experiment has now been postponed until good weather returns. Rai stressed that the administration is prepared to go ahead “as soon as the needed weather support is on hand.”
Citizens urged to cooperate
Authorities have appealed to citizens to avoid bursting leftover firecrackers, reduce private vehicle use, and support green initiatives to help ease the pollution load. Despite the current setback in implementing artificial rain, officials remain hopeful that the weather will soon shift in Delhi’s favor, allowing for a more effective attempt at cleansing the city’s polluted air.
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