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New Delhi: Days after Diwali, the national capital is gasping under a thick haze as air quality levels have plunged into the ‘severe’ category in several
parts of Delhi. The festive smoke, coupled with stubble burning and stagnant weather, has turned the city’s air toxic once again — reigniting the debate on why the government’s much-hyped artificial rain plan remains grounded.
Capital Chokes Under Post-Diwali Smog
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Anand Vihar shot up to 429 on Thursday morning, a sharp rise from 360 the previous day. Other key areas such as RK Puram (362), ITO (353), Ashok Vihar (350), Bawana (346), Dwarka Sector 8 (327), Nehru Nagar (377) and Patparganj (361) also recorded “very poor” to “severe” air quality levels.
The CPCB classifies AQI between 401 and 500 as ‘Severe’, meaning prolonged exposure can cause serious health effects. Experts warn that such conditions pose risks even to healthy individuals, urging citizens to stay indoors as much as possible.
The toxic air is being blamed on the usual mix of Diwali fireworks, stubble burning in neighbouring states, vehicle emissions, and calm wind patterns that trap pollutants close to the ground. The combination has once again created a dense smog blanket across Delhi’s skyline, making it difficult to breathe, especially for children and the elderly.
Check Region-Wise AQI
- Anand Vihar – AQI 429 – Severe
- Jahangirpuri – AQI 367 – Very Poor
- Wazirpur – AQI 365 – Very Poor
- ITO – AQI 353 – Very Poor
- Ashok Vihar – AQI 350 – Very Poor
- Burari – AQI 348 – Very Poor
- Punjabi Bagh – AQI 344 – Very Poor
- Sonia Vihar – AQI 329 – Severe
- Shadipur – AQI 319 – Very Poor
- Alipur – AQI 300 – Poor
Government’s Plan: Artificial Rain and Electric Mobility
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assured residents that the government is taking proactive measures to combat pollution. She said authorities are preparing to induce artificial rain, a process that involves cloud seeding to trigger rainfall, once the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirms favourable moisture and cloud conditions.
“The government is working proactively to induce artificial rain to reduce pollution, which will be implemented once the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirms favourable cloud and moisture conditions,” she said.
In the long run, Gupta added, the administration is focusing on electric mobility, with plans to deploy 10,000 electric buses across the city by 2027 to reduce vehicular emissions.
GRAP-II Measures Still in Force
To curb the worsening pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has continued to enforce Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) since October 19. The ongoing measures include frequent water sprinkling, dust suppression on roads, and proper disposal of collected dust at designated sites, especially in high-traffic areas.
Despite these interventions, air quality remains critical, and visibility in many parts of the city has dropped.
Artificial Rain: Ready but Waiting for Clouds
Delhi’s much-talked-about artificial rain experiment, initially proposed in July this year, has hit repeated delays. The plan, developed in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, aims to test whether cloud seeding can provide temporary relief from pollution during winter.
However, Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa told PTI that the trial is on hold due to the absence of suitable weather conditions.
“The day we get suitable clouds, we will conduct the trial immediately, as all preparations, from permissions to flight arrangements, are already in place,” he said.
He added that no window for cloud formation is expected until October 25, further pushing the trial date.
A Project Postponed Too Many Times
The cloud seeding project, a flagship initiative of the BJP-led administration, has already been postponed several times. Initially scheduled for July, it was delayed due to the monsoon, changing weather patterns, and now the lack of suitable cloud cover.
An aircraft fitted with cloud-seeding equipment is currently stationed in Meerut, ready to take off once conditions allow. The project is backed by an MoU with IIT Kanpur, which has received government funds to carry out five cloud seeding trials in northwest Delhi.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted permission under Rule 26(2) of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, allowing IIT Kanpur’s Department of Aerospace Engineering to conduct the activity using a Cessna 206-H aircraft (VT-IIT) between October 1 and November 30. The operation will follow strict safety and air traffic guidelines.
(With inputs from news agencies)
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