Residents use artificial rain to combat air pollution amid rising AQI levels in northern India
by Aditi VermaIn a unique bid to tackle worsening air quality, residents of northern India’s Haryana initiated an “artificial rain” experiment by spraying water from high-rise towers.
The incident took place at the DLF Primus Society, located in Sector 82, Gurugram on November 7.
Visuals showed from the top of a 32-story building, streams of water cascaded down in a fine spray, creating an effect similar to light rain. The water droplets drifted gently through the air, capturing sunlight as they fell, forming a mist that settled slowly over the area below.
According to reports this measure, implemented by spraying water from the society’s 32-story buildings, is designed to reduce airborne pollutants, contributing to improved air quality in the immediate vicinity.
Achal Yadav, President of the DLF Primus RWA, explained the motivation behind this initiative. “We are ready to conduct artificial rain daily if the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Gurugram worsens,” he stated. The high AQI readings in the National Capital Region (NCR) have led residents to take proactive steps for pollution reduction. Additionally, society has encouraged carpooling and other practices that lessen environmental impact, underscoring the need for community-driven actions. “The government alone cannot solve this issue. Everyone needs to participate,” Yadav added.
Meanwhile, the central government has introduced amendments to the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Rules, 2023, with a focus on curbing stubble burning. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has announced that environmental compensation will now be imposed on farmers who engage in stubble burning, which is a significant contributor to regional pollution. These combined efforts, from both local residents and government agencies, highlight the growing urgency to address India’s severe air quality crisis.