Delhi Set to Begin Cloud Seeding to Battle Pollution

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that cloud seeding to tackle pollution is set to begin within a week, pending weather conditions. The initiative, completed in seven months, awaits approval from the weather department. Sirsa emphasized the groundwork and contrasted previous governments' inaction with current proactive measures.

In a bid to combat Delhi's persistent air pollution, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has revealed that the capital city is poised to begin cloud seeding within a week. The effort is contingent on weather conditions, specifically the presence of suitable clouds, which would allow for the commencement of the artificial rain project.

Sirsa emphasized that his administration completed all necessary groundwork for the cloud seeding initiative in a span of just seven months. This includes acquiring approvals, establishing agreements, signing Memorandums of Understandings (MOUs), and coordinating with scientists, pilots, and aircraft. He contrasted this progress with the approach of previous administrations, which he said only paid lip service to tackling air pollution.

He further compared the rise in Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) post-Diwali celebrations to prior years. Citing data, he noted that AQI increased by only 11 points this year, compared to larger spikes in earlier years, despite firecrackers being permitted. Sirsa credited this improvement to the controlled use of 'green firecrackers' and the administration's broader efforts to manage air quality. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)