On the night between Thursday and Friday of this week, artificial rain fell in several parts of Delhi, Gurugram and Noida, and other areas adjacent to the National Capital Region. This brought much-needed relief from the poor air quality of the past few days.

• On the night between Thursday and Friday, Delhi-NCR saw some rain.
• The rain showers coincide with the Delhi government’s ongoing effort to implement ‘artificial rainfall’ to reduce pollution.
• The Kartavya path, ITO, and Delhi-Noida Border showed moderate rain showers.

The city government of Los Angeles is taking steps to create artificial rainfall to combat pollution in their city.

Images captured from the Kartavya path, ITO and Delhi-Noida border showed moderate to light rain showers this morning compared to 400+ readings recorded last night.

Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements across various monitoring stations across Delhi indicated an air quality index reading below 100;

The Regional Weather Forecast Centre has forecast light-intensity intermittent rainfall for Friday in Delhi-NCR, including Rajiv Chowk and nearby areas like ITO, India Gate Akshardham Safdarjung RK Puram Lajpat Nagar Akshardham Safdarjung.

Showers can be expected across Noida and Dadri as well as Greater Noida (Faridabad), Jind, Panipat Matanhail Jhajjar Farukhnagar Kosali Mahendragarh Narnaul Hodal Meerut Modinagar Kithor Bulandshahr Jahangirabad Anupshahr Bahjoi Pahasu Dubai Narora Gabhana Atrauli Aligarh.

On Wednesday, Gopal Rai, Delhi’s Environment Minister, met with IIT-Kanpur scientists to discuss artificial rain through cloud seeding to lower Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI). After their discussion, if cloudiness prevails on November 20-21, artificial rainfall could be used as a solution.

Delhi’s government announced on Wednesday that all artificial rain cost would be covered to reduce dangerous air pollution, with its chief secretary instructed to present this stance before the Supreme Court on Friday.

Delhi’s government issued a statement Thursday detailing how artificial rain in delhi may begin as soon as November 20, provided approval is given from the Centre.

Cloud seeding, or dispersing substances into the atmosphere to enhance condensation and precipitation, is known as cloud seeding.

It commonly utilises silver iodide (solid carbon dioxide), potassium iodide, or dry ice. These agents serve as nuclei around which water vapour condenses into rain or snowfall.

Weather modification techniques such as solar radiation control have long been utilised by humans around the globe, especially those living in regions experiencing water shortages or drought.

Pollution Level Now In Delhi

According to Delhi’s Central Pollution Control Board, Anand Vihar in Delhi’s Anand Vihar typically had an Air Quality Index score of 462, considered severe.

On Friday morning, however, this had improved dramatically by shifting into the moderate category, indicating improved air quality within Anand Vihar and evidence of better health overall in Anand Vihar.

As monitoring and reporting AQI measurements can provide important insight into air pollutants’ impacts on public health and the environment, writing their measurements is vital to assess and address them accordingly.

What Will Be The Cost Of Artificial Rain?

Delhi’s city government has decided to cover all artificial rain costs to combat dangerous air pollution, following an order by the Supreme Court for this decision to be communicated via the Chief Secretary on Friday.

Delhi officials anticipate beginning artificial rainfall by November 20, subject to support from the Centre. On the advice of an IIT Kanpur team, Delhi will cover Phases 1 and 2 pilot projects at an approximate cost of Rs 13 crore per phase. Arvind Kejriwal plans on using cloud seeding technology to produce artificial rain to combat air pollution.

Severe Actions by Delhi Government Like Banning App-Based Cabs, Winter Breaks In Delhi School

Gopal Rai, Gopal Rai announced that winter break for schools has been changed and will take place from November 9-18.

Additionally, app-based taxis would no longer be permitted into the city per Supreme Court orders, and an odd/even scheme will be used until a court reviews its effectiveness; its next hearing is set for Friday.

Rai announced that the scheme will go into effect from November 13-20 in anticipation of an anticipated worsening in air quality following Diwali. The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts “very poor” or “severe” air quality over five to six days.

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