Amid spiraling pollution levels in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has requested the Centre’s immediate approval for artificial rain to alleviate the smog engulfing the city. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching hazardous levels of 500 in several areas, Environment Minister Gopal Rai called for urgent intervention from the Central government.
AAP’s Call for Emergency Measures
At a press conference on Tuesday, Rai emphasized the need for cloud seeding to create artificial rain as a temporary relief measure. “Delhi is under GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage IV restrictions. We are taking all possible steps, including curbs on private vehicles and trucks, to reduce vehicular and industrial pollution,” he said.
He pointed out the persistent smog and said experts, including those from IIT Kanpur, have recommended artificial rain as an effective short-term solution. “It is the moral responsibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address this crisis. We urge the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to convene an emergency meeting involving experts, central agencies, and the Delhi government to initiate steps for artificial rain immediately,” Rai added.
Criticism of Centre’s Inaction
Rai criticized the Centre’s lack of response to repeated requests for an emergency meeting. “If the central government cannot act, then their (environment) minister should resign,” he remarked. The Delhi government has formally written to the Union Environment Minister, requesting approvals from agencies like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Home Affairs for cloud seeding operations.
Pollution Crisis Worsens
Delhi continues to choke under a blanket of smog, with AQI levels in the “severe plus” category across the city. Many air quality monitoring stations have reported AQI readings maxing out at 500, highlighting the dire need for immediate action. Despite stringent GRAP Stage IV restrictions, including bans on construction and diesel generators, pollution levels remain unabated.
The crisis escalated after the Supreme Court directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to maintain Stage IV restrictions regardless of any temporary dips in AQI levels. Experts attribute the pollution spike to stubble burning in neighboring states, combined with weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground.
What is Artificial Rain?
Artificial rain involves cloud seeding—a process where chemicals like silver iodide are dispersed into clouds to encourage precipitation. While it’s not a permanent solution, it can provide short-term relief by reducing airborne pollutants and clearing the smog.
Public Health at Risk
The deteriorating air quality has triggered health concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Medical professionals have reported a surge in cases of breathing difficulties, allergies, and other pollution-related illnesses.
As Delhi residents continue to endure hazardous air, all eyes are now on the Centre’s response to the AAP government’s plea for artificial rain and more robust measures to tackle the pollution crisis.