Delhi woke up to toxic air on Tuesday morning as pollution levels spiked across the capital after Diwali festivities. This has prompted the state government to implement GRAP 2 measures to curb pollution that poses a risk even to healthy individuals apart from those already suffering from respiratory diseases and asthma. On Monday, the state capital recorded an AQI of 357, according to Central Pollution Control Board data at 1:20 p.m.
Tier 2 of the Tiered Response Action Plan has been in effect since October 19 in Delhi-NCR as the AQI crossed 300 on Sunday falling into the ‘very bad’ category. Every year, the Delhi government faces the problem of hazardous air pollution at this time. However, it is time to reassess the Delhi government’s anti-pollution measures.
Delhi Government Measures Against Pollution After Diwali –
A few days before the festival, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the Delhi government was “fully prepared” to invoke artificial rain in a bid to reduce air pollution around Diwali.
The announcement was made after four days of cloud seeding test flights over the target area in northwest Delhi. At the time of the announcement, the project was awaiting a final green signal from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
“Our aircraft is ready for Meerut. The pilots have familiarized themselves with the flight path. We are just waiting for the green signal from the IMD and the right cloud cover. If everything goes well, the first test could be done the day after Diwali or the day after if the conditions are right,” Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on October 15.
Will Delhi Govt make artificial rain this weekend amid deteriorating AQI?
The aircraft is stationed at Meerut to deliver artificial rain and the pilots have completed flight route familiarization. Implementation of these essential measures is subject to weather conditions and IMD approval. If approved, the first attempt could take place in the foreseeable future.
What is Cloud seeding?
Cloud seeding refers to the process of dispersing silver iodide (AgI) and other similar substances into clouds to increase their ability to produce rain. This artificial rain induction project is being done in collaboration with IIT Kanpur.
The Cessna-206H aircraft was modified for this purpose. For a successful attempt, the ideal conditions that enable and facilitate the planting project include Nimbostratus clouds, which are typically between 500m and 6,000m above the ground. However, these ideal clouds must contain at least 50% moisture.
Roadblocks in the implementation of artificial rain
Lack of sufficient moisture or cloud density can delay the artificial rain procedure.
Pollution impact after a successful cloud seeding attempt
Depending on the intensity and spread of artificial rain, rain can improve air quality by a maximum of 80 AQI points. According to former head of the CPCB Aeronautical Laboratory Dipankar Saha, light rain or drizzle is unlikely to make a significant difference. Continuous and strong showers are needed for the “wash-out effect”. Experts suggest that the AQI may improve by one category with a successful attempt. Example: If the AQI is “very poor”, it can be improved to “poor”.
