Delhi and Surrounding Areas Soak Up Overnight Rain, with More Showers on the Horizon Today
The recent spell of rainfall in the National Capital Region (NCR) has arrived at a crucial juncture, coinciding with the Delhi government’s persistent endeavours to explore innovative solutions for tackling the city’s alarming pollution levels. Amidst ongoing efforts, the concept of ‘artificial rain’ has taken centre stage as authorities seek effective measures to curb the deteriorating air quality.
This natural rainfall serves as both a timely respite and a reminder of the continuous challenges faced by the region, prompting a collective focus on sustainable initiatives to address the persistent pollution concerns in Delhi.
Rain lashes parts of the national capital
The night between Thursday and Friday brought a welcome relief to several areas in Delhi NCR with a gentle drizzle, offering a much-needed break from the heightened air pollution gripping the national capital. The scenes captured at Kartavya Path and the Delhi-Noida border depicted light to moderate rain showers, providing a refreshing change in the weather.
This timely rainfall coincides with the proactive initiatives of the Delhi government, currently engaged in the exploration of ‘artificial rain’ as a potential strategy to address the persistent pollution challenges in the city. As the capital grapples with air quality concerns, the recent natural showers underscore the importance of both conventional and innovative approaches in the ongoing battle against pollution.
Thursday saw a decisive move by the Delhi government as officials announced plans to initiate ‘artificial rain’ to tackle the pervasive air pollution in the city. Simultaneously, the government has mobilised its ministers to actively oversee the implementation of anti-pollution measures.
In a visible display of commitment, various Delhi ministers took to the streets on Thursday, conducting inspections across different areas and borders that link Delhi to neighbouring states. This hands-on approach underscores the government’s dedication to addressing the critical issue of air quality and underscores the urgency in taking concrete actions to combat pollution.
Critical Pollution Levels Grip India: Delhi’s AQI Soars to 423, Alarming Readings Across Cities
Several cities across India witnessed alarming levels of pollution yesterday, with Delhi recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 423. The situation was equally concerning in other areas, including Faridabad (Haryana) at 415, Sonipat (Haryana) at 429, Murthal (Haryana) at 429, Fatehabad (Haryana) at 371, Jind (Haryana) at 429, Kaithal (Haryana) at 417, Manesar (Haryana) at 318, Purnia (Bihar) at 388, and Noida at 383.
The capital, particularly affected since October 27, grappled with a persistent haze attributed to stubble-burning incidents in Punjab. This environmental concern significantly deteriorated air quality not only in the National Capital Region (NCR) but also in neighbouring states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab.
Several locations in Delhi reported ‘severe’ air quality, with AQI levels surpassing the ‘400’ mark on a scale of 500. The widespread impact underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts and effective measures to address the complex issue of air pollution in the region.