As the national capital grapples with worsening air pollution, Delhi has officially reached out to the Central Government, urging immediate permission for artificial rain to mitigate the escalating air quality emergency. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) persistently remaining in the “severe” category, the situation has raised alarm among authorities and residents alike. The thick layer of smog engulfing Delhi has severely impacted visibility, public health, and daily life, prompting the state government to explore extraordinary measures, including cloud seeding, to bring temporary respite. The proposal, forwarded to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, seeks approval for deploying technology to induce artificial rainfall in and around the city.
The Critical Situation
Over the past few weeks, Delhi’s AQI levels have remained dangerously high, primarily due to stubble burning in neighboring states, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants. Despite ongoing efforts like road rationing, construction bans, and the promotion of electric vehicles, the pollution levels show no signs of subsiding. A senior official remarked, “This is a public health emergency. Artificial rain can offer temporary relief by washing away pollutants suspended in the air. We need swift clearance from the Centre to implement this measure.” The deteriorating air quality has led to an uptick in respiratory illnesses, prompting hospitals to witness a surge in patients complaining of breathlessness, allergies, and other pollution-induced ailments. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such hazardous conditions could have severe long-term implications for residents, especially children and the elderly.
What is Cloud Seeding?
Cloud seeding, the process of inducing rain artificially, involves spraying substances like silver iodide or salt into clouds to stimulate precipitation. Though not a permanent solution, it has proven effective in clearing smog and improving air quality temporarily. The Delhi government’s proposal highlights the urgency of this intervention as a stopgap measure while other long-term strategies are reinforced. Similar methods have been employed successfully in cities like Beijing and Dubai, demonstrating the potential benefits of artificial rain in combating urban pollution.
Public Reaction and Expectations
The initiative has garnered mixed reactions from Delhiites. While many support the move, expressing hope for cleaner air, others argue it merely addresses the symptoms without tackling the root causes of pollution. A resident shared her concern, saying, “It’s a welcome step, but we need stricter actions against stubble burning and industrial emissions to ensure lasting results.” Meanwhile, environmentalists caution that cloud seeding must be used judiciously, emphasizing that it’s not a sustainable fix. They urge the government to accelerate the implementation of green policies and renewable energy projects to combat pollution at its core.
What Lies Ahead?
As Delhi awaits the Centre’s nod, the urgency to act against the pollution crisis is palpable. While artificial rain might provide short-term relief, the path to cleaner air requires collective efforts, stricter enforcement of regulations, and a commitment to sustainable development. The residents of Delhi, choking under the weight of hazardous air, hope this intervention will be the first step in ensuring a healthier, more breathable future for the city.