worsening air quality, Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday said the government is planning to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding this month to combat the rising pollution levels. The air quality index in Delhi and the neighbouring areas remained in the ‘severe’ category at 421.
Rai held a meeting with scientists from IIT-Kanpur, who explained that cloud seeding can only be attempted when there are clouds or moisture in the atmosphere. “Experts anticipate that such conditions could develop around November 20-21. We have asked the scientists to prepare a proposal by Thursday (November 9) that will be submitted to the Supreme Court,” he said.
The minister said obtaining the necessary clearances and permissions for using this technology from both the central and the state governments is a time-sensitive matter. The IIT-Kanpur scientists, who have conducted research on artificial rain, had delivered a presentation to the minister on September 12.
Air pollution has been a cause for concern in the national capital this month as the smoke from post-harvest paddy straw burning in neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana has worsened the air quality. This has triggered a rise in respiratory problems among Delhi-NCR residents and put the vulnerable section in danger. Doctors have said breathing in Delhi’s polluted air is equivalent to the harmful effects of smoking approximately 10 cigarettes a day.
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