The Delhi Government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that they are planning to induce artificial rain in the national capital, but for that, they need “a lot of permissions from Union ministries, which is a difficult issue”.
The top court asked the Delhi government to approach the Centre and seek permission, asking why the court should interfere in this.
Delhi Chief Secretary submitted a proposal through an affidavit in the Supreme Court on Friday. The court was hearing a batch of petitions raising concerns about the rising air pollution in Delhi and neighbouring states.
The Delhi government has decided to explore the possibility of artificial rain in the city through cloud seeding this month to combat air pollution in the national capital. Earlier this week, the Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, held a meeting with scientists from IIT-Kanpur regarding the artificial rain.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has earlier stated that if the Centre supports the decision, it can arrange for the first phase of artificial rain in the city by November 20. The Chief Secretary was also directed to file the necessary applications with the centre to get permission from the centre for the artificial rain.
The government on Thursday announced that it will bear the cost of Phase 1 and Phase 2 pilots for carrying out artificial rain, totalling Rs 13 crore.
Meanwhile, reprimanding the Arvind Kejriwal-led government on the pollution issue, the Supreme Court said, “Speed comes after we intervene year after year.”
“While everyone is aware of the sources of pollution, they are awaiting the court’s intervention. We have solutions to every problem, but no one is doing anything. The court itself says that we want results. We are not experts, but we want solutions,” the Supreme Court said.
Earlier this week, the top court came down hard on the Delhi government’s over its pollution control measures, particularly questioning the effectiveness of its flagship odd-even car rationing scheme.
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