New Delhi: As air quality in the national capital deteriorates to hazardous levels, the Delhi government has called on the Centre to approve cloud seeding as a measure to induce artificial rain and alleviate the ongoing air pollution crisis. In a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai requested an urgent meeting to discuss the situation and the possibility of implementing cloud seeding to disperse the thick smog enveloping the city.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Rai emphasized that experts had been consulted and that it was now crucial to take immediate action to improve air quality in the Delhi-NCR region. “It is time to initiate artificial rain to clear the air and reduce the harmful smog that is affecting millions of people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to worsen, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the “severe plus” category. As of 1 PM today, Delhi’s AQI stood at 473, far exceeding the hazardous threshold. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several areas in the city are experiencing AQI levels above 480, including Bawana (483), JLN Stadium (461), Anand Vihar (489), and RK Puram (468).
In response to the alarming pollution levels, educational institutions in Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida have shifted to online classes, effective immediately. This move will remain in place until further notice. Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Jawaharlal Nehru University have also transitioned to online instruction, with some institutions planning to continue this mode of teaching until the end of the week.
Minister Gopal Rai stressed that without addressing the smog, improving air quality would remain impossible. “The situation is dire, and we need to act swiftly to protect the health of residents,” he added.
As the capital grapples with one of its worst pollution episodes in recent years, officials are under increasing pressure to take decisive steps to reduce air pollution and mitigate its impact on public health.
