Delhi Government Plans Artificial Rain Through Cloud Seeding as Air Quality Worsens After Diwali Celebrations

New Delhi:

The Delhi government is preparing to implement artificial rain through cloud seeding this week as air quality in the national capital deteriorates, partially due to firecracker use during Monday's Diwali celebrations.

Sources indicate that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's government, which took office in February promising cleaner air for Delhi residents, anticipates approval from meteorological authorities between October 24-26, when weather conditions are expected to be suitable for the operation.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has confirmed that the initial cloud seeding trial will proceed after Diwali, pending clearance from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

During a press briefing last Wednesday, Sirsa announced that pilots have completed preliminary flights over the designated cloud seeding area.

The BJP leader confirmed that aircraft have been fully equipped for the procedure and crews are trained and familiar with the target region.

"Everything is prepared - from necessary permissions to pilot training. The aircraft are fitted with cloud seeding technology, and pilots have surveyed the target areas. We're now awaiting IMD's final approval," he stated.

Originally planned for July, the cloud seeding initiative faced delays due to monsoon conditions, weather pattern shifts, atmospheric disturbances and insufficient cloud coverage.

The operation was subsequently promised before Diwali but experienced further postponement.

Delhi's 'Very Poor' Air After Diwali

Delhi residents awakened Tuesday to thick grey haze, limited visibility and 'very poor' air quality following widespread firecracker use beyond the Supreme Court's two-hour restriction.

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) measured 359, categorized as 'very poor,' at 11 am according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. Earlier readings showed 352 at 8 am, 351 at 7 am, 347 at 6 am and 346 at 5 am.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good,' 51-100 'satisfactory,' 101-200 'moderate,' 201-300 'poor,' 301-400 'very poor,' and 401-500 'severe.'

Among 38 total monitoring stations, 35 registered in the 'red zone,' indicating 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality. While 31 stations showed 'very poor' conditions, four recorded 'severe' pollution levels.

Delhi's 24-hour average AQI on Monday, reported at the standard 4 pm measurement, stood at 345.

Only Green Crackers Allowed On Diwali

In an October 15 ruling, the Supreme Court permitted green firecracker use in Delhi-NCR between 8 pm and 10 pm during Diwali.

Green cracker usage was restricted to specific timeframes -- 6 am to 7 pm on Diwali eve and 8 am to 10 pm on the festival day. Nevertheless, many citizens disregarded these judicial directives, with celebrations extending late into the night.

Previously, a comprehensive ban existed on firework manufacturing, sales and use.

Experts predict air quality may deteriorate further into the 'severe' category by Wednesday.