New Delhi: Several parts of Delhi-NCR received light rainfall on Friday, November 10, 2023, bringing a much-needed respite from the increased air pollution in the national capital. The rainfall came amid the Delhi government’s ongoing efforts to implement the idea of ‘artificial rain’ through cloud seeding, which is expected to be attempted around November 20 in an effort to curtail the pollution situation in the city.
The rainfall, which was caused by a western disturbance, was welcomed by residents of Delhi-NCR, who have been grappling with severe air pollution in recent weeks.
The overall air quality has again slipped into the ‘severe’ category despite light rainfall in the capital city. The national capital’s AQI stood at 339 at 6 am on Saturday, as per the data by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). Currently, Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in the national capital after the city’s air quality plummeted to the ‘severe plus’ category.
Also Read: Delhi’s Air Quality Updates: SC Wants A Solution
The Delhi government is also taking steps to combat air pollution, including through the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). GRAP is a set of measures that are taken to reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR depending on the severity of the pollution levels. Under GRAP, the Delhi government has already implemented a number of measures, such as banning construction activities and the use of diesel generators.
The Delhi government is also planning to implement the idea of ‘artificial rain’ through cloud seeding. Cloud seeding is a process by which silver iodide crystals are injected into clouds to encourage the formation of raindrops. The Delhi government has already conducted cloud seeding experiments in the past, and it is now planning to deploy the technology on a larger scale to help reduce air pollution in the city.
The light rainfall in Delhi-NCR on Friday is a welcome relief for residents of the city, who have been grappling with severe air pollution in recent weeks. The Delhi government is also taking steps to combat air pollution, including through the implementation of GRAP and the exploration of cloud seeding. It remains to be seen whether these measures will be effective in reducing air pollution in Delhi-NCR in the long term.
The Delhi government has said that it will carefully monitor the environmental impacts of cloud seeding before making a decision about whether to deploy the technology on a larger scale. It is important to weigh the potential benefits of cloud seeding against the potential risks before making a decision about whether to implement the technology.
Meanwhile Delhi’s Minister of Environment, Gopal Rai urged people not to burn crackers this Diwali. “Celebrate Diwali by not bursting crackers”, wrote Gopal Rai on X.
Overall, the light rainfall in Delhi-NCR on Friday and the Delhi government’s plans to implement cloud seeding are positive developments. However, it is important to carefully monitor the environmental impacts of cloud seeding before making a decision about whether to deploy the technology on a larger scale.
Click Here for latest trending news in Hindi