The Delhi government is planning for some artificial rain on November 20, Environment Minister Gopal Rai told CNBC-TV18, as the AAP government looks for measures to curb declining air quality.

Rai added that the entire exercise is based on a study by an expert team of IIT Kanpur, which had briefed the Cabinet ministers in a high level meet held on Tuesday, November 7.

According to the IIT Kanpur team, cloud formation is likely in Delhi on November 20-21. Cloud seeding can only be attempted if there are clouds or moisture in the atmosphere, as per the IIT experts, Rai said.

"A meeting with the IIT Kanpur team was held today regarding the possibility of cloud seeding i.e., artificial rain in the wake of pollution situation. This proposal was first presented by IIT Kanpur in that meeting. In today's meeting, it was decided that tomorrow they will send a detailed proposal to the government. If we receive their proposal tomorrow, we will present this before the Supreme Court," Gopal Rai said addressing to the media.

The minister also informed that the transport department is working on a detailed notification to curb vehicular pollution that is expected to be issued shortly.

Meanwhile, Delhiites continued to breathe polluted air which dipped to the severe category for sixth straight day. The overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 418 on November 8. Some of the worst-affected areas including, Punjabi Bagh, Anand Vihar, Rohini and Narela recorded AQI over 450.

The Arvind Kejriwal led-Delhi government has on Wednesday (November 8) announced an early winter break for schools from November 9-18.

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First Published:Nov 8, 2023 8:13 PM IST