Delhi pollution: AAP Environment Minister pushes for artificial rain amid worsening air quality; seeks ‘emergency’ meeting

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai (Image: ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai sent a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the possibility of using cloud seeding to combat Delhi's air pollution. Rai requested participation from various ministries and agencies in this discussion.

Cloud seeding is a process that involves the artificial induction of rain to reduce air pollution by washing out pollutants from the atmosphere.

“As on date in Delhi, the AQI has already crossed the 450 level and the GRAP-IV has been invoked and all measures under the GRAP-IV are being strictly taken in Delhi,” the letter read.

“Delhi Government has already implemented the Winter Action Plan wef 25th September, 2024, to combat air pollution and is making continuous efforts to explore alternate solutions for immediate relief to improve air quality,” it read.

“Considering that Air Quality in Delhi has turned in severe+ category, I believe it is immediately required to consider the use of this method,” it stated.

Rai requested the Union Environment Minister to immediately convene an urgent meeting with Delhi government, IIT Kanpur and all other central government departments and agencies involved in issuing NOC/clearance to conduct cloud seeding in the national capital as an emergency measure.

Thick grey haze choked Delhi for the third straight day on Tuesday, with the pollution levels remaining alarmingly high at 488 in the 'severe plus' category.

Calm winds and dropping temperatures made the dispersion of pollutants difficult. Cold air traps dust and smoke from stubble burning in neighbouring areas of Delhi.

The city recorded its coldest night of the season so far on Monday with the mercury dropping to 12.3 degrees Celsius from 16.2 degrees Celsius the night before, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).