Delhi AQI Today: Cloud Seeding Shows Limited Impact on Air Quality

Poor Air Quality Persists

Despite recent cloud seeding trials, Delhi’s air quality remains in the “poor” to “very poor” range. On Wednesday, October 29, the capital recorded an average AQI of 306, a slight increase from Tuesday’s 294. The Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented GRAP II measures as pollution levels continue to rise.

Cloud Seeding Trials and Cost

On Tuesday, the Delhi government, in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, conducted two cloud seeding trials in Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Badli. Each trial lasted about 30 minutes, with aircraft releasing eight silver iodide flares. The total cost for these two trials was approximately Rs 1.2 crore, part of a broader Rs 3.2 crore plan covering five trials.

Did Cloud Seeding Reduce Pollution?

IIT-Kanpur reported a temporary reduction in particulate matter at trial locations:

·         PM2.5 dropped from 221–230 to 203–207.

·         PM10 decreased from 206–209 to 163–177.

However, the overall air quality on Wednesday morning remained poor, showing limited lasting impact from the trials.

Region-Wise AQI Snapshot

·         Anand Vihar – 307 (Very Poor)

·         RK Puram – 308 (Very Poor)

·         Ashok Vihar – 302 (Very Poor)

·         Bawana – 322 (Very Poor)

·         Dwarka Sector 8 – 298 (Poor)

·         Nehru Nagar – 294 (Poor)

·         Akshardham – 307 (Very Poor)

·         India Gate – 282 (Poor)

·         Lodhi Road – 226 (Poor)

Out of Delhi’s 38 monitoring stations, 11 recorded AQI above 300, indicating sustained very poor air quality, according to the CPCB Sameer app.

The Takeaway

While cloud seeding provided short-term localized relief, the capital’s air quality remains a serious concern. Experts note that long-term pollution control measures are still crucial, as temporary interventions cannot replace systemic solutions.