Minister urges Centre to discuss cloud seeding to curb pollution

New Delhi, August 30

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday formally requested Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to convene an urgent meeting regarding artificial rain to combat winter air pollution.

In a letter to the Union Minister, Rai emphasised the critical air quality situation that Delhi faced each November, stating that it was imperative to assess cloud seeding (artificial rain) as a potential emergency measure to alleviate the Capital’s severe winter air pollution and secure the necessary permissions for its implementation.

“Given the dire conditions, we must explore all available options to provide immediate relief to the residents of Delhi,” Rai said.

Cloud seeding is a process that involves dispersing substances into the atmosphere to encourage cloud formation and precipitation. However, implementing this method requires prior clearances from various agencies within the Government of India, due to its potential impact on weather patterns and related environmental concerns.

Rai has called for a meeting with all relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Delhi Government, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other pertinent agencies.