With the plan for artificial rain on Tuesday postponed due to insufficient cloud moisture, Delhi woke up to yet another morning of ‘very poor’ air quality. The air quality index on Thursday stood at 352,
according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Out of the 38 monitoring stations across the national capital, 32 areas saw an AQI in the ‘very poor’ category, with some areas also witnessing an AQI in the ‘severe’ category, including Vivek Vihar (AQI 415) and Anand Vihar (AQI 409).
Oppn Targets Delhi Govt Over Deteriorating AQI
The deteriorating AQI has raised concern in the national capital, with the opposition targeting the Delhi government. Former Delhi minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the government of misleading the public and wasting taxpayer money.
“During the Kejriwal government, we repeatedly wrote to the Centre seeking clearance for cloud seeding, but no response was received,” Bhardwaj said.
He alleged that scientists had already warned about the harmful effects of the chemicals used in such experiments. “Why wasn’t the cloud seeding done the morning after Diwali, when pollution was at its peak?” he asked, terming the entire exercise a “free circus”.
Delhi Govt’s Response
The Delhi government on Tuesday said that the cloud seeding operation was “100% successful”. Environment Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the trial brought down particulate matter levels – PM2.5 and PM10 – by nearly 6-10%.
“Within seven months of this government taking charge, we identified IIT Kanpur, modified an aircraft, procured the necessary chemicals, and conducted a successful trial,” Sirsa said. “One trial costs Rs 20-25 lakh, whereas the previous government spent Rs 20 crore merely on advertisements for the odd-even scheme,” he added, hitting back at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
