Delhi Urges Central Government for Cloud Seeding to Combat Severe Pollution

Environment Minister Gopal Rai calls for an urgent meeting to consider cloud seeding as an emergency measure against worsening air quality in the capital.

• Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to 'very poor' levels, with an AQI exceeding 350, prompting the government to seek emergency pollution control measures.
• Environment Minister Gopal Rai has repeatedly written to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav since August, urging a meeting with stakeholders to discuss cloud seeding.
• Cloud seeding involves releasing silver iodide into the atmosphere to induce rainfall, potentially reducing air pollution by washing out pollutants.
• The Delhi government had previously planned a cloud seeding experiment, with costs estimated at ₹1 crore per 100 square kilometers, but it was halted due to unfavorable conditions.
• Experts caution that more research is needed on the effectiveness and environmental impact of cloud seeding before implementation as a pollution control measure.

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