Consider cloud seeding to curb pollution: Rai to Union Minister

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday once again wrote to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging the Centre to consider cloud seeding as an emergency measure to combat air pollution in the Capital during the upcoming winter months.

In the letter, Rai highlighted the concerns raised in previous letters dated August 30 and October 10 regarding the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, particularly during Diwali when smog and pollution levels reach hazardous levels and to consider cloud seeding as an emergency measure. He said the air quality index has already crossed 350, prompting the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-II.

While the Delhi Government has already implemented a Winter Action Plan to address air pollution, Rai emphasised the need for exploring alternative solutions, including cloud seeding, to provide immediate relief in case air quality worsens.

Cloud seeding is a process that involves artificially inducing rain to remove pollutants from the atmosphere. Rai said, “The Delhi Government had previously considered cloud seeding as an emergency measure, but faced challenges in obtaining necessary clearances from various Central Government agencies.” Given the anticipated severe air quality in Delhi during November, Rai stressed the importance of evaluating the feasibility of cloud seeding in the current context.

He requested Yadav to convene meetings with relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Delhi Government, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Special Protection Group, Airport Authority of India, Central Pollution Control Board, IMD, Bureau of Civil Aviation and other agencies concerned.

Delhi records worst air quality in country

Delhi recorded the worst air quality in the country on Wednesday, with pollution levels plunging into the ‘severe’ category in more areas of the Capital than the previous day. A thick layer of smog shrouded the Delhi-NCR during the morning and evening hours.