Delhi government calls for artificial rain amid AQI crisis, appeals to PM Modi

New Delhi: As Delhi-NCR grapples with alarming air pollution levels, Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, expressed his frustration on Tuesday over the Centre's inaction regarding the Delhi government's repeated requests for artificial rain to address the toxic air quality. Despite ongoing efforts to curb the pollution, Rai accused the Union government of failing to respond to multiple appeals for urgent measures.

Gopal Rai Seeks Artificial Rain Amid Severe Air Pollution

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Monday, Rai reiterated the Delhi government's proposal to use cloud seeding, a method of artificial rain, as a potential solution to the worsening air quality. He stated that he would once again write to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging for a swift response to the pressing issue. Rai also called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to resolve the ongoing crisis.

“We are under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV restrictions, and we are doing everything possible to reduce vehicular and industrial emissions,” Rai explained. He noted that restrictions had been placed on private vehicles and trucks to reduce the volume of traffic entering the city, further intensifying the government’s efforts to mitigate pollution.

Artificial Rain: A Viable Solution to Smog

Rai highlighted that consultations with experts were underway to explore the possibility of artificial rain, which could help settle the pollutants hanging in the air and provide relief from the toxic smog. Artificial rain, or cloud seeding, involves introducing chemicals like silver iodide or potassium into clouds, encouraging rainfall that can wash away airborne pollutants.

“The central government has yet to respond to our requests for an emergency meeting to discuss cloud seeding,” Rai remarked. “We first wrote to the Union Environment Minister on August 30, again on October 10, and then on October 23. We have had no reply, and the situation is becoming dire."

Delhi’s AQI at ‘Severe’ Levels

Delhi's air quality continues to hover at hazardous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching the 500-mark, the highest on the scale. On Tuesday morning, AQI stations recorded values as high as 494, with the capital facing its seventh consecutive day of extreme pollution. The Delhi government has declared the air situation a "medical emergency," urging citizens and institutions to take preventive measures for their health and safety.

Schools and colleges have shifted to online classes due to the adverse health effects of poor air quality, and hospitals are reporting a surge in patients with respiratory issues.

Artificial Rain Needs Government Approval

Although the Delhi government has previously explored the possibility of cloud seeding, it is reliant on approval from central government agencies such as the Ministry of Defence and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Without the necessary clearances, artificial rain cannot proceed, and the crisis continues to deepen.