As Delhi’s air quality worsens, CM Rekha Gupta said cloud seeding is now a necessity to combat pollution. The Delhi government plans to conduct artificial rain trials from October 28–30, with hopes of reducing severe AQI levels recorded across NCR after Diwali
A layer of smog blankets the city after air quality deteriorated in New Delhi. Pic/PTI
As Delhi continues to grapple with deteriorating air quality, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday highlighted that cloud seeding has become a necessity for Delhi. She further termed this initiative as a pioneering step in addressing the city's persistent environmental crisis.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said, "Cloud seeding is a necessity for Delhi and is the first experiment of its kind. We want to try it in Delhi to see if it can help us control this very serious environmental problem,” as cited by news agency ANI.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta further added that, "So the blessings of the people of Delhi are with the government, and we feel that this will be a successful experiment, and in the future, we will be able to overcome these environmental problems."
Earlier, the Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, while asserting about the cloud seeding, said that there will be clouds over Delhi from October 28 to 30 and noted that the Delhi government is ready with physical trials and permissions to induce artificial rain on October 29.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and its National Capital Region (NCR) was falling under the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories in several areas even as Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remains in effect. This happened after AQI deteriorated significantly after Diwali.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 292 as of 8 am on October 24. In southwest Delhi's RK Puram, the AQI was recorded at 316, while Patparganj reported 323. Other areas such as Bawana (347), Burari (334), Ashok Vihar (320), and Jahangirpuri (348) continued to register 'Very Poor' readings, reported ANI.
Whereas the AQI at the ITO area was also recorded at 316, while the India Gate zone was recorded at 254. Air quality near AIIMS was measured at 295, while pollution levels around Akshardham Temple and Anand Vihar surged to 403, placing both locations in the 'Severe' category. In contrast, Dhaula Kuan recorded an AQI of 257, falling under the 'Poor' range.
(With inputs from ANI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
