Delhi AQI reaches severe level post-Diwali, AAP asks why artificial rain has not been implemented

According to sources, the Delhi government is fully prepared to begin the cloud seeding process. Technical and ground preparations have been completed, and the team is ready.

New Delhi: After Diwali, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has seen a sharp increase. Pollution levels have risen from "very poor" to "severe." Out of the 38 monitoring stations in the capital, 36 are in the red zone, considered extremely hazardous to health. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a scathing attack on the Delhi government over this rising pollution.

AAP Raises Questions

AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bhardwaj said that the government had promised to use artificial rain (cloud seeding) to reduce pollution after Diwali, but no such action has been seen so far. He questioned whether the BJP government wants people to get sick. Bhardwaj also alleged that the BJP government is in collusion with private hospitals and wants to close government hospitals.

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Delhi Government Awaiting Approval

According to sources, the Delhi government is fully prepared to begin the cloud seeding process. Technical and ground preparations have been completed, and the team is ready. However, final approval from the India Meteorological Department is still awaited. The government plans to begin cloud seeding between October 24th and 26th during favorable weather conditions, to reduce pollution.

Allegations of Increasing Pollution

Saurabh Bhardwaj also accused the firecracker industry of having a large lobby. He said that the firecracker industry generated revenues worth crores of rupees, but many types of firecrackers were sold in addition to green firecrackers. This suggests that the government was under pressure from the firecracker industry lobby. Violations of rules are occurring even in the presence of the police, which points to collusion.

Former Environment Minister Gopal Rai Leveled Serious Allegations

Former Environment Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai stated that Delhi's pollution has reached a critical state, but the BJP government is not taking any effective action. He stated that more than half of the areas are in the red zone, and the government is busy making excuses. Rai stated that the BJP governments around Delhi are also responsible, but the central government and the Delhi government have not taken any concrete steps.

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Diwali Fireworks Increased Pollution

Continuous fireworks in Delhi on Diwali night led to morning haze. The city's air quality index averaged above 400, considered hazardous. The Supreme Court had allowed green firecrackers to be burned only from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali, but this order was widely violated. This poor air quality is severely affecting people with asthma, children, and the elderly.

The pollution situation in Delhi remains alarming, and pressure is mounting on the government to take immediate and effective steps to control it.