Delhi Air Quality Remains ‘Poor’ Days After diwali, Artificial Rain Plan Set for October 29
New delhi: Air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) remained ‘poor’ on Thursday, recording an Air quality Index (AQI) of 292, days after Diwali celebrations. In response to the persistent pollution, the Delhi government has finalized preparations for its first-ever artificial rain initiative thru cloud seeding, slated for October 29, pending favorable weather conditions.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Thursday that preparations for the pollution-control initiative are complete. A trial run of the project was successfully conducted earlier in the day in the Burari area, as confirmed in a post on X.
“For the first time in Delhi, preparations have been completed to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding, marking a notable technological milestone in the capital’s fight against air pollution,” Gupta stated. “Experts…successfully conducted a trial test in the Burari area.”
The plan hinges on cloudy conditions expected on October 28, 29, and 30.According to a report from IIT-Kanpur following the test run, the flight assessed the capabilities for cloud seeding, aircraft readiness, and equipment functionality. While the report noted minimal cloud cover and moisture content below 15%, preventing precipitation during the trial, it confirmed the use of silver iodide and sodium chloride flares.
The government aims to improve Delhi’s air quality and environmental balance through this ”technologically historic” and “scientific approach” to combating pollution, Gupta added.
