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दिवाली पर प्रदूषण से निपटने के लिए बनाया नया प्लान, कैसे कम होगा प्रदूषण, जानिए

इस साल देश में 12 नवंबर को दिवाली मनाई जाएगी। दीवाली के दिन पटाखे न फोड़ने को लेकर पहले ही दिल्ली में आदेश जारी हो चुका है। पटाखों पर बैन के पीछे उसके बाद होने वाला भयंकर प्रदूषण है, जो उसी समय पराली से निकलने वाले धुंए के साथ मिलकर राजधानी की हवा को जहारीला बना देता है। लेकिन, एक्सपर्ट्स का कहना है कि प्रदूषण पर कंट्रो ल के लिए पटाखों पर बैन लगाना ही एक मात्र विकल्प नहीं है। उसके लिए और भी कड़े कदम उठाने होंगेहों गे। इसके बाद दिवाली और ठंड के समय पलूशन को हावी होने से रोकने के लिए दिल्ली सरकार की लिस्ट में एक और तरकीब शामिल है। सबकुछ सही रहा तो दिल्लीवालों को पहली बार कृत्रिम बारिश देखने को मिलेगी। इसके लिए आईआईटी कानपुर की मदद ली जा रही है। पर्यावरण मंत्री गोपाल राय ने पर्यावरण मीट के तहत एक्सपर्ट से मिले इस सुझाव के बाद पत्रकारों को यह जानकारी दी। हालांकि इसकी मांग कोई पहली बार नहीं उठी है। हर साल कृत्रिम बारिश को लेकर मांग उठती रही है। अगर इसपर आम सहमति बनती है तो दिल्ली में विमान या गुब्बारों से कृत्रिम बारिश कराई जाएगी। कृत्रिम बारिश या क्लाउड सीडिंग उस प्रक्रिया को कहते हैं जिसमें आर्टिफिशयल तरीके से बादलों को बारिश के अनुकूल बनाया जाता है। इसके लिए कई तरह के केमिकल्स का इस्तेमाल होता है। आमतौर पर इसके तीन चरण होते हैं। पहले चरण में जिस इलाके में बारिश करवानी है वहां चल रही हवाओं को ऊपर की तरफ भेजा जाता है। इस हवा से बादल बारिश करने के काबिल होते हैं। क्लाउड सीडिंग के लिए कैल्शियम क्लोराइड, कैल्शियम कार्बाइड, यूरिया आदि की मदद ली जाती है। इन केमिकल की वजह से बादल बारिश करवाने के करीब पहुंचते हैं। इसके बाद दूसरे चरण में बादलों की डेंसिटी को बढ़ाया जाता है। इस प्रक्रिया में भी केमिकल्स का इस्तेमाल होता है। इसके बाद सुपर कूल वाले केमिकल्स जैसे सिल्वर आयोडाइड और ड्रा ई आइस का छिड़काव विमान, गुब्बारों की मदद से बादलों पर किया जाता है। इससे बादल में मौजूद पानी के कण इससे बिखरने लगते हैं और धरती पर गिरते हैं। मंत्री गोपाल राय ने बताया कि आईआईटी कानपुर को कहा गया है कि दिल्ली में इसके असर और इस पर आने वाले खर्च को लेकर भी एक डिटेल प्लान दें। इस प्रेजेंटेजेंटेशन के साथ ही पूरी जानकारी के बाद इस पर विचार किया जा सकता है। एक्सपर्ट मीट में आए 24 एक्सपर्ट ने अपने सुझाव दिए। इनमें काउंसिल फॉर एनर्जी, एनवायरनमेंट एंड वॉटर (सीईईडब्ल्यू), सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सीएसई), एनवायरनमेंटल डिफेंस फंड आदि के एक्सपर्ट शामिल हुए। उन्होंनेन्हों नेबताया कि विभिन्न एक्सपर्ट ने गाड़ियों के प्रदूषण को कम करने, डस्ट पल्युशन, बायोमास बर्निंग और अन्य तरह के प्रदूषण को कम करने के लिए सुझाव दिए। एक्सपर्ट ने 13 हॉट स्पॉट के लिए अलग-अलग विंटर एक्शन प्लान तैयार करने को कहा। इनमें आनंद विहार, वजीराबाद, विवेक विहार, वजीरपुर, अशोक विहार, द्वारका, जहांगीरपुरी, रोहिणी, बवाना, नरेला, मुंडका, पंजाबी बाग, आरके पुरम और ओखला फेस टू शामिल ह भारत में कहां-कहां हुई कृत्रिम बारिश ? टाटा फर्म ने साल 1951 में भारत में कृत्रिम बारिश कराई थी। साल 1993-94 में तमिलनाड में सूखे से निपटने के लिए कृत्रिम बारिश कराई थी। 2003- 04 में कृत्रिम बारिश कराई गई थी। साल 2008 में आंध्र प्रेदश के 12 जिलों में भी यह तरीका अपनाया गया था। आईआईटी के प्रोफेसरों ने बताया था कि मॉनसून से पहले और इसके दौरान कृत्रिम बारिश कराना आसान होता है। लेकिन सर्दियों के मौसम में ये आसान नहीं होती। क्योंकिक्यों इस दौरान बादलों में नमी की मात्रा ज्यादा नहीं होती।

Delhi Government To Explore Cloud Seeding To Check Air Pollution In Winter: Gopal Rai Environment Minister

Delhi government is preparing a separate action plan for each of the air pollution hotspots in the city, said Environment Minister Gopal Rai In a bid to mitigate air pollution in the national capital during winter, the Delhi government is mulling over the use of cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday (September 12). Minister Rai added that the government is preparing a separate action plan for each of the air pollution hotspots in the city. Minister Rai’s announcement came after his meeting with 24 environmental experts to discuss the ‘Winter Action Plan’ where scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi. At this meeting, suggestions were also taken from 24 members and researchers from the Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), and Environmental Defense Fund, among others. Minister Rai said, The experts brainstormed ways to reduce vehicular pollution, dust pollution, biomass burning, and other kinds of pollution. Scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi and the costs involved. We have requested them to prepare a detailed presentation which will be shown to the chief minister. We will certainly consider this idea. Experts have, earlier as well, submitted similar proposals on artificial rain to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he added. The minister said the experts have also suggested preparing a separate winter action for the air pollution hotspots to deal with their respective pollution sources. The pollution hotspots in Delhi are located at Anand Vihar, Wazirabad, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Bawana, Narela, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, RK Puram and Okhla Phase 2.

Delhi Govt To Explore Cloud Seeding For Artificial Rain To Check Air Pollution In Winter: Environment Minister Gopal Rai

In a bid to mitigate air pollution in the national capital during winter, the Delhi government is mulling over the use of cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday. Rai added that the government is preparing a separate action plan for each of the air pollution hotspots in the city. Rai's announcement came after his meeting with 24 environmental experts to discuss the 'Winter Action Plan' where scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi. At this meeting, suggestions were also taken from 24 members and researchers from the Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), and Environmental Defense Fund, among others. "The experts brainstormed ways to reduce vehicular pollution, dust pollution, biomass burning, and other kinds of pollution. Scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi and the costs involved. We have requested them to prepare a detailed presentation which will be shown to the chief minister. We will certainly consider this idea," Rai said. Experts have, earlier as well, submitted similar proposals on artificial rain to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he added. The minister said the experts have also suggested preparing a separate winter action for the air pollution hotspots to deal with their respective pollution sources The pollution hotspots in Delhi are located at Anand Vihar, Wazirabad, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Bawana, Narela, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, RK Puram and Okhla Phase 2.

Rice price spike offers preview of climate food disruption

A 15-year high in rice prices, prompted by top exporter India's restrictions on overseas sales, should be a wake-up call on how climate change can disrupt food supplies, experts say. Rice prices jumped 9.8 percent in August, bucking decreases in other staples, the Food and Agriculture Organization said last week. That followed the July decision by India, which accounts for 40 percent of global rice exports, to ban the overseas sale of non-basmati rice. The government cited soaring domestic prices for the staple, caused by geopolitics, the El Nino weather pattern and "extreme climatic conditions." This year is expected to be the hottest in human history, and the impacts of the seasonal El Nino weather pattern could make conditions even harsher. Despite severe flooding in parts of northern India, this August was the country's hottest and driest on record. The monsoon season that brings up to 80 percent of the country's annual rain has been far below normal levels. India's July restrictions followed a decision last September to ban exports of another variety of rice that is a staple in parts of Africa. Up to eight percent of global rice exports for 2023/24 could now be taken out of the market, according to analysis by BMI, Fitch Group's research arm. - Drought fears - For now, the crisis offers an opportunity for India's rivals, including number two and three exporters, Thailand and Vietnam. Both have increased exports this year, with Nguyen Nhu Cuong, an official with Vietnam's agriculture and rural development ministry, touting a "bumper crop" and plans to increase planting. But the dry conditions that tend to accompany El Nino mean smooth sailing ahead is unlikely, warned Elyssa Kaur Ludher, from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute's Climate Change in Southeast Asia programme. "My question is whether they can continue to do this once El Nino comes into force towards the end of this year, when water becomes more scarce," she told AFP. "I think the end of this year and especially the beginning of next year will be very, very tough," she added. A naturally occurring weather phenomenon, El Nino typically lasts nine to 12 months and is expected to strengthen late this year. Even before India's latest restrictions, its effects were boosting rice export prices, according to BMI. And in Thailand, national rainfall levels are currently 18 percent lower than expected for the time of year, the Office of National Water Resources said this month. Late rains could still make up the difference, but the agency said it is "concerned about a drought caused by El Nino." - 'New normal' - The consequence is one of price rather than supply, said Charles Hart, agricultural commodities analyst at Fitch Solutions. "This is not a running out of rice moment," he stressed, noting India's restrictions have not been followed by other exporters. Instead, the situation is likely to force the drawdown of stocks rebuilt after pandemic-era depletions, and prompt importers to seek new deals and impose local limits. Top importer the Philippines this month signed a deal with Vietnam to help stabilise supply, days after announcing a national price cap. For some though, unaffordable prices amount to the same as a lack of supply: less food. "It's not just a food availability issue, but it's also a social stability issue, it's a political issue," said Ludher. The current disruptions should be a wake-up call for policy-makers, she added, with more attention needed to the plight of farmers across various sectors. Climate change can affect productivity, with lower crop yields as temperatures rise, but also increases the likelihood of extreme events like the 2022 Pakistan floods. "Global grain export markets are relatively concentrated, so that kind of extreme weather risk accumulates in a few markets," Hart added. In India, policymakers need to develop better early-warning systems and new planting patterns, said Avantika Goswami, a climate change researcher at the Centre for Science and Environment. "Erratic weather patterns are the new normal," she told AFP. "Now, it's a case of early adaptation. In the long-term, global emissions have to come down."

India's Transition to Electric Vehicles Powered by Three and Two Wheels

At bus stops and metro stations in the Indian capital and towns around it, passengers are accustomed to the familiar call by three-wheel electric rickshaw drivers to take an eight-cent, shared ride to their offices, homes or markets. The ride-hailing trade is flourishing according to the hundreds of rickshaw drivers crowding the streets. "It is much better than a petrol vehicle. It does not create pollution and it is cheaper to run. After charging, my battery lasts for 80 to 120 kilometers," said Abdul Alam, as he stood outside a metro station in Gurugram, a business hub, to which thousands of commuters travel daily from New Delhi. In India, most electric vehicles are not cars, but three wheelers that ferry passengers and deliver goods or two wheelers used for personal mobility. Accounting for 90% of the country's nearly three million electric vehicles, they are at the forefront of India's transition to clean transportation. That is not surprising — in developing countries like India, these vehicles provide an affordable means of transport. In the case of electric rickshaws, they help decarbonize small trips. "The market is basically pushing it and it's taking care of last mile mobility," according to Moushumi Mohanty, head of Electric Vehicle Technology at the Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi. Their popularity has grown as subsidies by the federal and state government for manufacturers, along with tax incentives, drive down costs. Spiraling petrol costs in recent years have made them more attractive. Adhir Bhiya, who worked as an office help, left his job three years ago and took out a loan to buy his own rickshaw for $1,500. "I spend about $25 in a month to charge the batteries. It gives a good income to provide for my family," said Bhiya. As e-commerce booms, three-wheel electric vehicles are also playing a key role in making deliveries to customers. Road trips for deliveries are adding to carbon emissions according to experts, as people increasingly opt for the convenience of ordering everything from groceries to clothes online. Zyngo EV Mobility, a start-up launched three years ago, uses an all-electric fleet of vehicles to make about 20,000 deliveries a day in and around Delhi. "We wanted to adopt something which is more futuristic," says Prateek Rao, founder of Zyngo. "Sustainability is something which is very close to our heart. We are all new-age people, we are a very young and aggressive team, we think that somewhere we are contributing to the eco-system back then why not? So we adopted EV's as the core technology, so that we help reduce carbon emissions." Rao took a cue from the COVID-19 pandemic when Delhi residents glimpsed clear blue skies instead of the customary grey that shrouds the city as vehicles disappeared from roads during lockdowns and work-from-home norms. The switch from petrol or diesel to electric vehicles is important for a city where the millions of vehicles clogging its toads contribute to almost half the emissions that dirty the air— Delhi is one of the world's most polluted cities. Commercial vehicles are among the biggest contributors to toxic fumes. "This will help a whole lot because look at the numbers that we are trying to transition," points out Mohanty. "If you are converting say ten, twenty or 30% of these vehicles into electric, it basically means there is zero emissions from there." The government is pushing for a rapid expansion in the coming years — Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, called on automakers Tuesday to accelerate the transition to electricity and bio-fuels to curb vehicular pollution. But there are challenges to be tackled before electric mobility can take off on a larger scale. "Charging infrastructure is a pain point," said Rao, "It is being ramped up, especially in Delhi but if we need faster adoption of EV's across India, we need to improve the pace." Experts also say that India needs to step up domestic manufacturing of batteries and improve battery technology. While batteries are assembled in India, components are mostly imported. "We need to reduce the dependence on imports of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, etc. from China," according to N.C. Thirumalai at the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy in Bengaluru. "We have to de-risk the supply chain and look at other countries also." India also needs to develop batteries that are adapted to local conditions. "It is hot and humid here and we have roads which don't always give you a smooth ride. So clearly you need batteries that have high temperature tolerance and can withstand high vibrations," said Mohanty. The long-term challenge is an even bigger one. In a country where coal is still king for power generation, the electricity source that charges batteries will also have to be cleaned up. "The market is basically pushing it and it's taking care of last mile mobility," according to Moushumi Mohanty, head of Electric Vehicle Technology at the Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi. Their popularity has grown as subsidies by the federal and state government for manufacturers, along with tax incentives, drive down costs. Spiraling petrol costs in recent years have made them more attractive.

Ahead of Diwali, Delhi reiterates cracker ban

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Monday reiterated that a ban on the use, sale, production, and bursting of firecrackers in the Capital would stay in place, and said the restrictions will cover online sale and delivery of firecrackers. The ban also applies to the sale of “green firecrackers” sold for Diwali, which falls on November 14 this year. The government has directed a blanket ban on manufacture, storage, sale... bursting of firecrackers... Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been instructed to issue necessary instructions to all departments,” Rai said. The restrictions are aligned with court orders. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2020 banned the sale of all firecrackers in any district with an air quality index worse than poor (an AQI level of 201 or more). The restriction was endorsed by the Supreme Court in 2021, which rejected a challenge against the ruling. To be sure, despite the ban, these norms are blatantly flouted around Diwali as the sounds of firecrackers reverberate in the city’s skies, subsequently blanketing Delhi in a carpet of smog. The restrictions are to mitigate what is now a perennial air quality crisis that hits the national capital in the run-up and during the winter season. Rai said that the Delhi Police will be issued directions to implement the ban in the city. “There is still time for Diwali, but this decision has been taken because every year, licenses are issued for the sale, manufacture, storage of firecrackers... The process begins now. Directions are being issued to police to not issue licences. I request other states in NCR to not issue any kind of license,” he added. Rai said that the government was preparing a winter action plan and an experts’ meeting will take place on Tuesday to incorporate feedback. Typically, people use firecrackers that emit hazardous levels of smoke, including toxic compounds. This smoke lingers on, hanging in the relatively still air typical of the pre-winter months. In years when Diwali is celebrated later in the year, especially on a day in the first two weeks of November, the cocktail of toxic gases mixes with smoke from farm fires in neighbouring paddy-growing states where farmers burn crop residue to clear their fields. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said the implementation of the winter action plan and concerted efforts to curb pollution are imperative to tackle Delhi’s air quality crisis. “Implementation will matter. As far as the winter action plan is concerned, we need the right infrastructure to make a difference.”

Rice Price Spike Offers Preview Of Climate Food Disruption

A 15-year high in rice prices, prompted by top exporter India's restrictions on overseas sales, should be a wake-up call on how climate change can disrupt food supplies, experts say. Rice prices jumped 9.8 percent in August, bucking decreases in other staples, the Food and Agriculture Organization said last week. That followed the July decision by India, which accounts for 40 percent of global rice exports, to ban the overseas sale of non-basmati rice. The government cited soaring domestic prices for the staple, caused by geopolitics, the El Nino weather pattern and "extreme climatic conditions." This year is expected to be the hottest in human history, and the impacts of the seasonal El Nino weather pattern could make conditions even harsher. Despite severe flooding in parts of northern India, this August was the country's hottest and driest on record. The monsoon season that brings up to 80 percent of the country's annual rain has been far below normal levels. India's July restrictions followed a decision last September to ban exports of another variety of rice that is a staple in parts of Africa. Up to eight percent of global rice exports for 2023/24 could now be taken out of the market, according to analysis by BMI, Fitch Group's research arm. For now, the crisis offers an opportunity for India's rivals, including number two and three exporters, Thailand and Vietnam. Both have increased exports this year, with Nguyen Nhu Cuong, an official with Vietnam's agriculture and rural development ministry, touting a "bumper crop" and plans to increase planting. But the dry conditions that tend to accompany El Nino mean smooth sailing ahead is unlikely, warned Elyssa Kaur Ludher, from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute's Climate Change in Southeast Asia programme. "My question is whether they can continue to do this once El Nino comes into force towards the end of this year, when water becomes more scarce," she told AFP. "I think the end of this year and especially the beginning of next year will be very, very tough," she added. A naturally occurring weather phenomenon, El Nino typically lasts nine to 12 months and is expected to strengthen late this year. Even before India's latest restrictions, its effects were boosting rice export prices, according to BMI. And in Thailand, national rainfall levels are currently 18 percent lower than expected for the time of year, the Office of National Water Resources said this month. Late rains could still make up the difference, but the agency said it is "concerned about a drought caused by El Nino." The consequence is one of price rather than supply, said Charles Hart, agricultural commodities analyst at Fitch Solutions. "This is not a running out of rice moment," he stressed, noting India's restrictions have not been followed by other exporters. Instead, the situation is likely to force the drawdown of stocks rebuilt after pandemic-era depletions, and prompt importers to seek new deals and impose local limits. Top importer the Philippines this month signed a deal with Vietnam to help stabilise supply, days after announcing a national price cap. For some though, unaffordable prices amount to the same as a lack of supply: less food. "It's not just a food availability issue, but it's also a social stability issue, it's a political issue," said Ludher. The current disruptions should be a wake-up call for policy-makers, she added, with more attention needed to the plight of farmers across various sectors. Climate change can affect productivity, with lower crop yields as temperatures rise, but also increases the likelihood of extreme events like the 2022 Pakistan floods. "Global grain export markets are relatively concentrated, so that kind of extreme weather risk accumulates in a few markets," Hart added. In India, policymakers need to develop better early-warning systems and new planting patterns, said Avantika Goswami, a climate change researcher at the Centre for Science and Environment.

Delhi govt to explore cloud seeding to check air pollution in winter: Environment Minister

Rais announcement came after his meeting with 24 environmental experts to discuss the Winter Action Plan where scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi.At this meeting, suggestions were also taken from 24 members and researchers from the Council for Energy, Environment and Water CEEW, Centre for Science and Environment CSE, and Environmental Defense Fund, among others. In a bid to mitigate air pollution in the national capital during winter, the Delhi government is mulling over the use of cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday. Rai added that the government is preparing a separate action plan for each of the air pollution hotspots in the city. Rai's announcement came after his meeting with 24 environmental experts to discuss the 'Winter Action Plan' where scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi. At this meeting, suggestions were also taken from 24 members and researchers from the Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), and Environmental Defense Fund, among others. ''The experts brainstormed ways to reduce vehicular pollution, dust pollution, biomass burning, and other kinds of pollution. Scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi and the costs involved. We have requested them to prepare a detailed presentation which will be shown to the chief minister. We will certainly consider this idea,'' Rai said. Experts have, earlier as well, submitted similar proposals on artificial rain to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he added. The minister said the experts have also suggested preparing a separate winter action for the air pollution hotspots to deal with their respective pollution sources. The pollution hotspots in Delhi are located at Anand Vihar, Wazirabad, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Bawana, Narela, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, RK Puram and Okhla Phase 2.

Delhi Govt To Explore Cloud Seeding Technology For Artificial Rain To Check Air Pollution In Winter

In a bid to mitigate air pollution in the national capital during winter, the Delhi government is mulling over the use of cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain. The Delhi government on Tuesday announced that it is considering using cloud seeding technology to create artificial rain in an effort to reduce air pollution in the national capital during the winter. The Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday said that the government is preparing a separate action plan for each of the air pollution hotspots in the city. environmental experts to discuss the 'Winter Action Plan' where scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi. Suggestions were also taken from 24 members and for Science and Environment (CSE), and Environmental Defense Fund, among others who were present in the meeting.

Delhi govt to explore cloud seeding to check air pollution in winter, says Environment Minister Gopal Rai

In a bid to mitigate air pollution in the national capital during winter, the Delhi government is mulling over the use of cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday. Rai added that the government is preparing a separate action plan for each of the air pollution hotspots in the city. Rai's announcement came after his meeting with 24 environmental experts to discuss the 'Winter Action Plan' where scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi. At this meeting, suggestions were also taken from 24 members and researchers from the Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), and Environmental Defense Fund, among others.

Delhi govt to explore cloud seeding to check air pollution in winter: Environment Minister

In a bid to mitigate air pollution in the national capital during winter, the Delhi government is mulling over the use of cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday. In a bid to mitigate air pollution in the national capital during winter, the Delhi government is mulling over the use of cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday. At this meeting, suggestions were also taken from 24 members and researchers from the Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), and Environmental Defense Fund, among others. “The experts brainstormed ways to reduce vehicular pollution, dust pollution, biomass burning, and other kinds of pollution. Scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi and the costs involved. We have requested them to prepare a detailed presentation which will be shown to the chief minister. We will certainly consider this idea,” Rai said. Experts have, earlier as well, submitted similar proposals on artificial rain to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he added. The minister said the experts have also suggested preparing a separate winter action for the air pollution hotspots to deal with their respective pollution sources. The pollution hotspots in Delhi are located at Anand Vihar, Wazirabad, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Bawana, Narela, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, RK Puram and Okhla Phase 2. PTI GVS RPA

Delhi govt to explore cloud seeding to check air pollution: Gopal Rai

In bid to mitigate air pollution in the national capital during winter, the Delhi govt is mulling over the use of cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain, Environment Minister Rai said In a bid to mitigate air pollution in the national capital during winter, the Delhi government is mulling over the use of cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday. Rai added that the government is preparing a separate action plan for each of the air pollution hotspots in the city. Rai's announcement came after his meeting with 24 environmental experts to discuss the 'Winter Action Plan' where scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi. At this meeting, suggestions were also taken from 24 members and researchers from the Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), and Environmental Defense Fund, among others. "The experts brainstormed ways to reduce vehicular pollution, dust pollution, biomass burning, and other kinds of pollution. Scientists from IIT-Kanpur gave a presentation on inducing artificial rain in Delhi and the costs involved. We have requested them to prepare a detailed presentation which will be shown to the chief minister. We will certainly consider this idea," Rai said. Experts have, earlier as well, submitted similar proposals on artificial rain to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he added.

G20: Delhi had cleanest air day of the year on second day of summit

The second and concluding day of G20 summit in Indian national capital ended with Delhi experiencing its cleanest air day of the day. September 10 was the first 'good air' day since October last year. The improved air quality is being attributed to the incessant rainfall and various restrictions imposed during the G20 summit. Delhi Air Quality: When air got cleared for G20 The average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 45, falling within the 'good' category, which was the best recorded since October 10, 2022. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board indicates that Delhi only experiences 'good air' days when there's significant rainfall or a substantial reduction in emissions, often due to lockdowns. This Sunday witnessed both factors at play. "The AQI improved to 'good' category on Sunday due to a combination of rain, the special drive to clean up, closure of offices and enterprises, and restrictions on traffic due to the summit. Rain further helped in settling down pollutants," Anumita Roychowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment was quoted as saying by the Times of India. Delhi's very few 'good air' days: Record from recent years In previous years, 'good air' days were rare occurrences in Delhi, with none reported in 2015, 2016, and 2018. However, 2017 saw two such days during the monsoon in July. In 2019, there were two 'good' air days with an AQI of 49 in August. In 2020, there were five 'good' air quality days, including one in March during the Covid lockdown and four in August during the monsoon. In 2021, there was just one 'good' air day on October 18, thanks to continuous rainfall. Last year, three 'good' air days were recorded in September and October, primarily due to rain improving air quality. But the air quality is expected to decline to the 'satisfactory' category on Monday, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, a forecasting body under the Union ministry of earth sciences. This 'satisfactory' air quality is expected to persist from Monday to Wednesday.

Rain, traffic curbs help Delhi log year’s first good air day

Delhi’s air quality improved to its best levels in 11 months on Sunday, as a strong spell of overnight rain and sparse vehicular traffic due to G20-related restrictions combined to give the national capital unusually low pollution levels. The Capital’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) dipped to 45 at 4pm on Sunday, the city’s first “good” air day this year. Pollution levels on Sunday were the lowest since October 10 last year, when Delhi clocked an AQI of just 44. Delhi also got 38.6mm rain in the 24 hours till 8.30am on Sunday, with another 1.3mm till 5.30pm. Sunday’s air quality improved from 54 a day ago, which was the year’s lowest so far. The AQI was 83 on Friday and 104 on Thursday. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies an AQI of 50 or lower as ‘good’, between 51 and 100 as ‘satisfactory’, between 101 and 200 as ‘moderate’, between 201 and 300 as ‘poor’, between 301 and 400 as ‘very poor’ and over 400 as ‘severe’. The vastly improved air coincided with the G20 Summit, during which vehicular movement was disallowed and public spaces shut in the central Delhi region. Officials said clean-up drives and sprinklers used consistently in the run-up to the global event helped wash Delhi’s characteristically polluted air. Last year, at the same time, Delhi’s AQI was 141on September 9 and 110— both in the moderate category —the day after. Strong winds that accompanied the rain also helped wipe the air of pollutants, said officials and experts. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said the improvement in air quality was due to a combination of various factors including meteorological conditions and reduced emissions on account of G20 curbs. “There were several restrictions due to the G20 summit, including offices and institutes being shut, and much lower traffic volumes. Efforts such as clean-up drives were also taken to keep pollution in check. Moreover, we saw intense rain on Saturday. All these factors together played a role in the current spell of good air,” said Roychowdhury. On Sunday, the Safdarjung observatory, Delhi’s base weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 28.3°C, five degrees below normal. The minimum temperature, meanwhile, was 23.5°C, two below normal. According to CPCB data, 2022 saw three good air days all year. In 2021, Delhi clocked just a single such day. In 2020, however, when the city was under Covid-19 curbs for much of the year, Delhi clocked five “good” air days. Other cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) also recorded relatively better air quality as the AQI was 34 in the ‘good’ category in Ghaziabad, 70 in Gurugram, 51 in Greater Noida, 62 in Faridabad, and 32 in Noida.

Year's first 'good air' day, thanks to rain, G20 curbs

Delhiites breathed the cleanest air of the year on Sunday as the city witnessed the first 'good air' day since October last year, thanks to rain and various restrictions imposed due to the G20 summit. The average Air Quality Index was 45 - values of 50 and below fall in the 'good' category - the best since an AQI of 44 was recorded on October 10, 2022, reports Priyangi Agarwal. Track the pollution level in your city Experts pointed out that the AQI on Sunday again demonstrated that, apart from weather conditions playing a major role, the air quality can be improved by reducing the intensity of pollution sources such as vehicular emissions. PM2.5 lowest in eight years from Sept 8-9 Data from the Central Pollution Control Board, which started measuring the Air Quality Index (AQI) since April 2015, shows that 'good air' days have been recorded in Delhi only when there has been intense rain or a drastic reduction in vehicular and other emissions due to lockdowns. Sunday saw both taking place. "The AQI improved to 'good' category on Sunday due to a combination of rain, the special drive to clean up, closure of offices and enterprises, and restrictions on traffic due to the summit. Rain further helped in settling down pollutants," said Anumita Roychowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment. "Traffic was considerably reduced during the past three days. In Delhi, vehicular pollution is among the major contributors to air pollution," she added. Not a single 'good air' day was reported in 2015, 2016 and 2018, but Delhi witnessed two such days in 2017 during the monsoon months, on July 30 and 31. Similarly, two 'good' air days were registered in 2019 when AQI touched 49 on two days - August 18 and 19. In 2020, Delhi saw five 'good' air quality days - one in March during the Covid lockdown and four in August during the monsoon period. The capital saw only one 'good' air day in 2021, on October 18 when AQI dipped to 46 due to incessant rain recorded in the region. Three such days were recorded last year in the months of September and October with rain again playing a crucial role in cleaning up the air. Tanushree Ganguly, programme lead, Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, said, "The revival in the monsoon after a prolonged break coupled with the measures taken by the authorities to ensure cleaner air for the G20 summit has helped in recording the first 'good air' day of the year. The average PM 2.5 concentration on September 8 and 9 was about 15 g/m3 which is the lowest in the past eight years." She added, "Concentrated efforts helped in reducing pollution even in the high pollution regions of the capital with dedicated teams being deployed to identify and mitigate the pollution sources in the 13 hotspots. It is imperative that authorities maintain their commitment to air quality management as we approach winter when meteorological conditions may not be so favorable." However, the air quality is predicted to deteriorate to 'satisfactory' on Monday. According to Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the forecasting body under the Union ministry of earth sciences, the air quality is likely to remain in the 'satisfactory' category from Monday to Wednesday.

Year's first 'good air' day, thanks to rain & G20 curbs

NEW DELHI: Delhiites breathed the cleanest air of the year on Sunday as the city witnessed the first 'good air' day since October last year, thanks to rain and various restrictions imposed due to the G20 summit. The average Air Quality Index was 45 - values of 50 and below fall in the 'good' category - the best since an AQI of 44 was recorded on October 10, 2022. Experts pointed out that the AQI on Sunday again demonstrated that, apart from weather conditions playing a major role, the air quality can be improved by reducing the intensity of pollution sources such as vehicular emissions. PM2.5 lowest in eight years from Sept 8-9 Data from the Central Pollution Control Board, which started measuring the Air Quality Index (AQI) since April 2015, shows that 'good air' days have been recorded in Delhi only when there has been intense rain or a drastic reduction in vehicular and other emissions due to lockdowns. Sunday saw both taking place. "The AQI improved to 'good' category on Sunday due to a combination of rain, the special drive to clean up, closure of offices and enterprises, and restrictions on traffic due to the summit. Rain further helped in settling down pollutants," said Anumita Roychowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment. "Traffic was considerably reduced during the past three days. In Delhi, vehicular pollution is among the major contributors to air pollution," she added. Not a single 'good air' day was reported in 2015, 2016 and 2018, but Delhi witnessed two such days in 2017 during the monsoon months, on July 30 and 31. Similarly, two 'good' air days were registered in 2019 when AQI touched 49 on two days - August 18 and 19. In 2020, Delhi saw five 'good' air quality days - one in March during the Covid lockdown and four in August during the monsoon period. The capital saw only one 'good' air day in 2021, on October 18 when AQI dipped to 46 due to incessant rain recorded in the region. Three such days were recorded last year in the months of September and October with rain again playing a crucial role in cleaning up the air. Tanushree Ganguly, programme lead, Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, said, "The revival in the monsoon after a prolonged break coupled with the measures taken by the authorities to ensure cleaner air for the G20 summit has helped in recording the first 'good air' day of the year. The average PM 2.5 concentration on September 8 and 9 was about 15 g/m3 which is the lowest in the past eight years." She added, "Concentrated efforts helped in reducing pollution even in the high pollution regions of the capital with dedicated teams being deployed to identify and mitigate the pollution sources in the 13 hotspots. It is imperative that authorities maintain their commitment to air quality management as we approach winter when meteorological conditions may not be so favorable." However, the air quality is predicted to deteriorate to 'satisfactory' on Monday. According to Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the forecasting body under the Union ministry of earth sciences, the air quality is likely to remain in the 'satisfactory' category from Monday to Wednesday.