Delhi AQI Today: Capital Records ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality
The national capital continued to choke under ‘very poor’ air quality on Sunday morning, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi hovered around 300, triggering public health concerns.
As per CPCB data, Lodhi Road recorded an AQI of 287, while the iconic India Gate and surrounding areas registered 325, both in the ‘very poor’ category. Similarly, Ashram and Maharani Bagh also showed AQI levels within the same range.
The Delhi government has already implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), restricting certain construction activities and deploying truck-mounted water sprinklers across major roads to reduce dust and particulate matter.
Despite these measures, residents continue to face smog-laden mornings and reduced visibility, with pollution levels worsening due to calm winds and vehicular emissions.
Health Experts Warn of Rising Respiratory Risks
Health experts have raised serious concerns over the continued deterioration of Delhi’s air quality.
Venerable groups like kids, old people and asthmatic patients are experiencing increased breathing difficulties, cough, and worsening of pre-existing diseases like asthma and COPD said an expert.
Medical professionals have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, use N95 masks, and keep air purifiers on during peak pollution hours.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to AQI above 300 can significantly increase the risk of chronic respiratory illnesses, even in healthy individuals.
Artificial Rain in Delhi: Cloud Seeding Test Conducted
In a historic move, Delhi is preparing for its first-ever artificial rain to combat the toxic smog. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that cloud seeding tests were successfully conducted in the Burari area on Thursday.
“Preparations have been completed for the first time in Delhi to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding,” CM Gupta said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“If weather conditions remain favourable, Delhi will experience its first artificial rain on October 29,” she added.
According to the Chief Minister, this experiment marks a major scientific step in the city’s long-term battle against pollution. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted possible cloud presence between October 28 and 30, making conditions suitable for the cloud seeding operation.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also confirmed that permissions and logistical arrangements are complete. He said that cloud seeding will help settle pollutants and improve the city’s air quality ahead of winter.
Government’s Plan to Clean the Capital’s Air
Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that the artificial rain initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of creating a sustainable, cleaner environment.
“This initiative is historic from a technical perspective and is set to establish a scientific method to combat pollution in Delhi,” Gupta said.
The government hopes that if successful, the cloud seeding project can be replicated in other heavily polluted cities such as Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad.
Officials added that the operation will involve specially equipped aircraft dispersing a mixture of silver iodide and sodium chloride into the atmosphere to induce rainfall, thereby washing away airborne pollutants.
The Delhi administration, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, has been studying atmospheric conditions to determine the ideal window for the experiment.
Citizens Await Relief Amid Persistent Smog
Despite government efforts, Delhi residents continue to struggle with poor air quality and eye irritation, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Public transport usage has increased as citizens attempt to reduce vehicle emissions.
Environmental groups, however, caution that artificial rain is a temporary solution, urging long-term policy changes such as stricter laws on stubble burning, expansion of green zones, and enhanced waste management system.