India: Gurugram’s housing society conducts ‘artificial rain’ to combat pollution as AQI exceeds 400
artificial rain
The situation of air pollution continues to deteriorate in the Delhi NCR region, a housing society in Gurugram conducted “artificial rain” on Thursday (Nov 7). They used sprinklers from a high-rise building and conducted artificial rain to counter the problem of rising pollution.
The DLF Primus Society of Gurugram, Sector-82, carried out artificial rain from the fire lines of a 32-floor high-rise building to combat pollution. The Resident Welfare Association (RWA) took the initiative of artificial rain and carpooling to control pollution.
The president of RWA Achal Yadav, as per ANI, said, "We are conducting artificial rain from the fire lines of the 32-storey 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." He added, "The government alone cannot do this work. Everyone will have to participate in it. Pollution is a huge problem.”
A video has emerged on social media showing artificial rain being conducted in a residential complex, with water seen drizzling from the top of a 32-storeys-high building.
Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is conducted by injecting substances like dry ice and silver iodide into the atmosphere to increase precipitation.
Delhi-NCR’s AQI has reached the “severe” category, with more than 17 weather stations recording an AQI above 400, which is life-threatening to people, especially those with Asthma or weak immunity.
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Gopal Rai, the Delhi Environment Minister, said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is also planning to conduct artificial rain in the national capital to counter the worsening situation of pollution.
To control Delhi's pollution, the centre has also released a notification which has doubled the fine for farmers practising stubble burning in the NCR region.
(With inputs from agencies)