The Delhi government is considering artificial rain as a possible measure to tackle worsening air pollution after Diwali and Chhath Puja. With the city's air quality deteriorating rapidly, officials are keeping cloud seeding as an option if pollution levels rise further. According to official sources, the government has conducted two artificial rain trials over the past 15 days, including one near Delhi Airport. The trials involved cloud seeding at an altitude of approximately 30,000 metres, compared to around 10,000 metres during experiments conducted last year. Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique in which tiny particles are introduced into suitable moisture-rich clouds to encourage or enhance rainfall. The government is examining this option as existing pollution-control measures continue to provide limited relief.

Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates Despite Pollution Control Measures
Air pollution has become a serious concern across the national capital, with poor air quality affecting daily life and visibility in several areas. Authorities have implemented measures such as water sprinkling on roads, mechanical sweeping and the use of anti-smog guns to control dust and pollution. However, these steps have not brought significant improvement. On November 2, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the Air Quality Index reached 324, falling into the 'Very Poor' category. Despite these restrictions, pollution levels have continued to rise, increasing concerns ahead of the festive period.

AQI Rises Sharply, Political Dispute Over Stubble Burning
Delhi's air quality has witnessed a steep decline within a few days. According to the figures mentioned in the report, the AQI increased from 60 on October 30 to nearly 400 by November 5. The worsening situation has also triggered a political dispute over the sources of pollution. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa blamed stubble burning in Punjab and criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over his statements on the issue. Sirsa alleged that the Punjab government was not presenting the actual picture of crop residue burning and questioned its claims regarding the paddy harvesting season.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa Questions Punjab Government's Claims
Speaking to the media at the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Shastri Park on Thursday, Sirsa referred to data released by the Punjab government and claimed that 77 per cent of the stubble had already been burnt. He challenged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's statement that paddy harvesting had not yet started on a significant scale. According to Sirsa, the government's own figures contradicted that claim. The issue has added to the political debate over responsibility for Delhi's pollution. Meanwhile, the Delhi government is considering additional measures, including artificial rain, if air quality deteriorates further after Diwali and Chhath Puja.