Authorities mull using artificial rain to clear air in Delhi, no clarity on date

In the wake of rising pollution in the city, authorities might seed clouds to induce artificial rain to wash away toxic pollutants in the air, although no exact date has been set.

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to alarming levels in the past three weeks while the overall air quality in the national capital was in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday, with some areas in the city experienced 'severe' pollution.

Cloud seeding for artificial rain would be done once the meteorological conditions are stable, a senior official said.

He said plans are to induce rainfall this week, but if the meteorological conditions are not found suitable then it would be done next week.

However, a senior Environment Ministry official said, "No exact date has been set for this. This is a possible solution. We will give more details about it."