Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and the surrounding areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) received a welcome relief from the ongoing air pollution crisis as light rainfall graced the region during the night between Thursday and Friday. This timely downpour comes as the Delhi government plans to induce artificial rain on November 20-21 through cloud seeding to combat the severe air pollution.
Notable visuals from Kartavya Path, ITO, and the Delhi-Noida border displayed light to moderate-intensity rainfall, offering a breath of fresh air to the residents.
The Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) forecasts intermittent light rainfall in various places across Delhi and NCR, including Sohana, Rewari, Aurangabad, and more. Similarly, several regions in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are also expected to experience light showers during this period.
Delhi's air quality took a severe hit, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 437 on Thursday, further deteriorating from 426 on Wednesday. Neighboring areas like Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, and Faridabad reported similarly poor air quality.
In response to the escalating pollution crisis, the Delhi government has deployed ministers to oversee the implementation of anti-pollution measures. Several Delhi ministers were seen inspecting various areas and borders connecting Delhi to neighboring states.
The national capital has already implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to the 'severe plus' air quality. To address the situation, the government has rescheduled the winter break for schools and banned the entry of app-based taxis into Delhi. Additionally, the odd-even car-rationing scheme will be enforced once the Supreme Court reviews its effectiveness.
Anticipating a further decline in air quality post-Diwali, the Ministry of Earth Sciences' Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi-NCR has predicted "very poor" to "severe" air quality for the next five to six days.
In a proactive move, the Delhi government has decided to bear the entire cost of artificial rain to combat the hazardous air pollution, with plans to commence the first phase of artificial rain by November 20, pending support from the Centre.
For further updates on Delhi's efforts to combat air pollution, stay tuned.
