Delhi govt plans artificial rain trials, multi-area anti-pollution drive to combat rising smog

The Delhi government plans to conduct artificial rain trials, a move hinging on the success of the upcoming water sample tests, alongside a series of large-scale anti-pollution projects designed to target multiple pollution hotspots across Delhi-NCR to ensure a widespread, lasting impact. In an interview with PTI, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government is actively working on reducing pollution, with visible improvements already seen and efforts accelerating to ensure better air quality than in previous years.

Sirsa said that the government is considering a plan for artificial rain, and a study is underway. “We have asked for detailed reports to determine whether the chemicals used in artificial rain could have any harmful effects on the human body or skin.

“Based on the report, we will conduct a small-scale test in an outer Delhi area, and water samples will be analysed to ensure there are no adverse effects. If the tests are successful and the samples show no side-effects, we will move forward with the plan.”

Talking about the smog tower project, Sirsa acknowledged it as a “failure” and told PTI that the BJP government will soon announce a new plan that will operate on a multi-area scale to make a noticeable difference across Delhi-NCR.

He said the focus will be on targeting pollution sources directly and working to eliminate or reduce them.