BS EDIT: Cleaning the Air

By Business StandardPublished On Nov 3, 2025

A Grim Reality

Air pollution caused 15% of all deaths in 2023. In Delhi alone, one in seven deaths was linked to toxic air

Failed Fixes

Delhi’s ₹3.21 crore cloud-seeding experiment showed little effect. Poor weather and dry winter air made it futile

Lessons from Abroad

Countries like China and the UAE use cloud seeding only during humid monsoons. Delhi’s dry winters make it unsuitable

Beyond Quick Fixes

Delhi’s pollution crisis needs institutional solutions, not costly short-term experiments

The Real Culprits

Farm fires are falling, but vehicles and firecrackers remain key polluters. Green crackers haven’t worked

Hard Choices Ahead

A strict ban on crackers and major investment in clean public transport are vital to make NCR’s air breathable again