New Delhi: In a bold move to combat the severe air quality crisis gripping the national capital, the Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, revealed on Wednesday that the Aam Admi government is gearing up for artificial rain through cloud seeding later this month. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bring relief amidst worsening pollution levels in Delhi.Cloud seeding timeline and conditionsGopal Rai convened a crucial meeting with scientists from IIT-Kanpur to discuss the implementation of artificial rains. The proposal, originally presented by IIT Kanpur, was thoroughly examined in the meeting, setting the stage for a potential game-changer in the battle against pollution.According to Rai, a detailed proposal from IIT Kanpur is expected tomorrow, outlining the potential cloud seeding project. If specific cloud conditions align on November 20-21, a pilot project for artificial rains could be initiated. The proposal will be presented before the Supreme Court once received.प्रदूषण की स्थिति के मद्देनजर Cloud Seeding की संभावना को लेकर आज IIT Kanpur की टीम के साथ बैठक हुईआज की बैठक में यह निर्णय लिया गया कि कल IIT कानपुर सरकार को एक विस्तृत प्रस्ताव भेजेंगे।अगर कल हमें उनका प्रस्ताव मिलता है तो हम इसे सुप्रीम कोर्ट के सामने पेश करेंगेअगर… pic.twitter.com/LAycEO3f2u— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) November 8, 2023What is cloud seedingCloud seeding involves the artificial generation of rain by introducing clouds to particles like silver iodide crystals. This method, utilizing planes to spray clouds with chemicals, aims to condense smaller particles into larger rain droplets.Delegation explores artificial rain possibilityA delegation from CII and IIT Kanpur met with Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to delve into the prospects of artificial rains in the national capital. The Lieutenant Governor enquired about the effectiveness of the technology and urged the delegation to submit a concrete proposal.As air pollution reaches alarming levels in Delhi, residents and commuters voice their concerns over breathing problems. Urgent steps are urged by the public to curb the worsening air quality, with calls for immediate government action.Supreme Court intervenesThe Supreme Court has expressed grave concern over hazardous air quality, directing farmers to cease stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. The court emphasized the responsibility of local authorities in preventing crop burning, and stressed the need for repairing non-functional smog towers installed earlier.Odd-even rule and urgent measuresIn response to the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government has decided to reintroduce the odd-even rule from November 13 to 20. This measure comes amidst growing concerns over the health risks posed by the escalating Air Quality Index (AQI).AQI detereorating everyday Doctors emphasize that a healthy persons recommended AQI should be below 50, but current levels have surpassed 400, posing severe health risks. The reintroduction of the odd-even rule and the exploration of artificial rain techniques reflect the urgent measures being taken to address the worsening air quality crisis in Delhi.
