Thick smog blankets the capital as cloud seeding raises hopes for artificial rain
Delhi AQI 459
Delhi is facing another air pollution crisis.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 367.
This is considered poor and hazardous for health.
However several areas recorded higher pollution levels.
Jahangirpuri recorded the AQI at 459.
That is in the ‘severe’ category, which means health risks.
IIT Delhi and Punjabi Bagh each recorded an AQI of 445.
These numbers show the pollution is not just high it’s extreme.
Rising PM2.5 levels have increased health concerns.
These tiny particles, smaller than dust are a danger.
They can penetrate into the respiratory system.
They may cause asthma, bronchitis and other lung problems.
Thick smog has also reduced visibility across the capital.
Even India Gate has disappeared behind the pollution haze.
That’s a sign of how thick the smog has become.
Many residents are struggling with breathing-related problems.
People are coughing, wheezing and feeling short of breath.
Some are even avoiding going
How Can Artificial Rain Help?
Authorities are considering cloud seeding to tackle pollution.
Cloud seeding attempts to encourage rainfall under cloud conditions.
It is a method used to try and make rain when natural rain is not happening.
Scientists disperse substances such as silver iodide or dry ice.
These particles help ice crystals or droplets form inside clouds.
The goal is to make clouds heavier so they release rain.
Aircraft, rockets or specialised equipment can deliver these substances.
It is a technique used in places around the world.
Delhi has reportedly conducted two cloud-seeding trials recently.
One trial reportedly took place near Delhi airport.
Cloud seeding cannot guarantee rainfall or lasting pollution control.
It depends on weather conditions, cloud cover and humidity.
Its effectiveness depends on atmospheric and cloud conditions.
If the sky is too dry or no clouds are present it won’t work.
Still it may offer short-term relief.
Supreme Court Decision on Green Crackers
The Supreme Court has also addressed celebrations.
It reportedly allowed crackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8.
Green crackers are said to reduce pollution compared to ones.
A complete restriction will return from November 9.
This means no crackers all from that day onward.
The decision comes amid concerns over air pollution.
Authorities are trying to balance tradition with health.
They want to protect people from smoke and noise.
Still many people are concerned about losing their joy.
The hope is that green crackers will be an alternative.
Their impact is limited if used on a large scale.
The real solution may lie in long-term planning and clean air policies.
For now Delhi is in a situation.
Air quality is dangerously high.
Health, visibility and daily life are all affected.
The question remains: how can Delhi breathe again?
It may take more, than rain.
It may take change.
