Amid Rising Pollution Ahead of Diwali and Winter, Environment Minister Pushes for Artificial Rain in Delhi

With Diwali and winter approaching, pollution levels are expected to spike even further in November. Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has called for urgent interventions, including cloud seeding, to address the capital’s severe air quality. On Wednesday, Rai announced plans to approach the Union environment minister again.​

What is cloud seeding?

For those unfamiliar, 'cloud seeding,' the process of creating artificial rain, involves dispersing chemicals into the atmosphere to encourage moisture particles to condense and form rain. IIT Kanpur scientists, who conducted a successful experiment last year, estimate that creating a cloud cell over a 1-square-kilometer area would cost around Rs 1 lakh. Under optimal weather conditions, such as favourable wind and moisture levels, a cloud cell could be formed within a day.

Rai’s push for artificial rain is seen as a last-ditch effort to provide temporary relief from Delhi's hazardous air quality. However, without central government support, the city's fight against pollution remains challenging.

In addition to this initiative, Delhi has already launched its 21-point Winter Action Plan, which includes a 14-point anti-dust campaign aimed at curbing construction-related pollution. Rai inspected construction sites and met with over 120 companies to enforce strict dust-control measures. Companies excelling in compliance received the Hari Ratan Award. The government has also intensified regular inspections, imposing penalties on violators, with plans to ramp up enforcement in the coming weeks.