The overall air quality index was recorded at 352, which falls in the 'very poor' category.
Highlights
- Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to alarming levels in the past three
- Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday
- The government tried to explore the possibility of cloud seeding
In the wake of rising pollution level in the city, authorities might seed clouds to induce artificial rain this week to wash away toxic pollutants in the air. Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to alarming levels in the past three weeks. Cloud seeding for artificial rain would be done once the meteorological conditions are stable, a senior official said. He said plans are to induce rainfall this week, but if the meteorological conditions are not found suitable then it would be done next week.
Cloud seeding is the process of combining different kinds of chemical agents, including silver iodide, dry ice and even common table salt, with existing clouds in an effort to thicken them and increase the chance of rainfall. The weathermen are monitoring conditions to become favourable for creating artificial rain, which can be induced in 24 hours, the official said. Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday due to humidity and slow wind speed. The overall air quality index was recorded at 352, which falls in the 'very poor' category, according Central Pollution Control Board data. In 2016, the government tried to explore the possibility of cloud seeding for artificial rain but the plan never worked out. Last year, the government had proposed the possibility of reducing dust by watering Delhi from a helicopter to Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan.
Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to alarming levels in the past three weeks.
Photo Credit: iStock
Simple yet effective tips to protect yourself from air pollution:
- Avoid air fresheners and candles
- Avoid going to crowded places
- Keep your house clean and dust free
- Take off your shoes before entering the house
- Include green tea in your diet
- Add some herbs and spices in your diet like turmeric, ginger, tulsi and garlic
(With inputs from PTI)
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.