Delhi Pushes for Cloud Seeding to Combat Winter Pollution

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has requested an urgent meeting with central authorities to expedite approvals for cloud seeding. This emergency measure aims to mitigate expected winter pollution surges, particularly post-Diwali, by artificially inducing rain to cleanse the capital's air. Delays have hindered previous implementation efforts.

Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has called on the central government to urgently convene a meeting involving key stakeholders to speed up the approval process for cloud seeding. This emergency strategy is designed to tackle the anticipated spike in winter pollution in the capital.

In a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, Rai emphasized the necessity of timely coordination among various agencies to secure the required clearances for deploying cloud seeding technology effectively.

Rai highlighted a critical delay in obtaining approvals, which has already set back efforts by about a month. With air quality expected to deteriorate to hazardous levels by early November, the Delhi government is pressing for immediate action and a comprehensive meeting to fast-track the approval process.

(With inputs from agencies.)