As the Delhi-NCR air quality shoots into the 'Severe' category, the residents of Gurugram have taken an innovative step to fight the severe pollution. The Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of DLF Primus Society in Sector-82 has resorted to what can be called artificial rainfall by employing the methodology of sprinklers and water pipes to create artificial rain through 32-storey high-rise towers in the complex to reduce air pollution levels in the area.

Can artificial rain help the situation better?

The RWA shared a video showing water dripping from the top of the building to mimic the effect of rain in cleaning up the toxic air. Achal Yadav, president of the RWA, told ANI, “We are conducting artificial rain from the fire lines of the 32-storeyed high-rise towers to control air pollution in the area. If AQI increases in Gurugram, we are ready to conduct it every day. We have also taken other steps including car-pooling to control pollution.” 

Yadav said, the problem of air pollution, is a serious issue, and nothing can solve it unless everybody, the government, and the people come together and put in their efforts. Artificial rain exercises would be taken up each day based on the AQI.

Artificial rain: A possible solution for pollution in Delhi-NCR?

Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a method used to encourage precipitation by introducing salts into clouds. While this is a relatively new approach in Gurugram, Delhi is also considering this technique to combat the region’s worsening air quality. Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai has shown interest in using artificial rain, as pollution continues to rise after Diwali celebrations.

Why is air quality so bad in North India?

Pollution in northern India is a recurring issue during the winter months. Cold air traps dust, vehicle emissions, and smoke from crop stubble burning in nearby states like Punjab and Haryana.  This creates a thick haze that badly affects air quality in the capital and its surroundings. Several parts of Delhi recorded an AQI level of 366 on Thursday morning, which falls into the 'Severe' category, making it hazardous to breathe.

The Yamuna River also suffers from a pollution crisis in which toxic foam has been seen floating in Kalindi Kunj. The severe contamination led the Delhi High Court to deny permission for Chhath Puja celebrations at the river, citing health risks posed by the toxic foam would lead to sickness among devotees upon performing the puja in the polluted water.

The Central Government announced changes to the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Rules of 2023. The amendment focuses on imposing, collecting, and using environmental compensation to address stubble burning — a major contributor to pollution in the region.

Now, with artificial rain grabbing attention. Citizens and government authorities are working to treat the air pollution that continues to choke the region, in the hope of a cleaner and healthier future.