Allegations of wasteful spending erupted on Wednesday as AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed the city government spent crores of rupees on an artificial rain project despite expert warnings. He said the effort, aimed at easing pollution, went ahead out of season and against advice from multiple agencies.
Bharadwaj argued that senior authorities had cautioned against cloud seeding during this period in the capital. He called on CM Rekha Gupta to explain the decision and the use of public funds.
The Charge and the Call for Answers
“Clearly, Delhi government wasted crores of taxpayers’ money on a pointless drama,” Bharadwaj said. “There were expert opinions from [the] Environment Minister of the Centre government, the CPCB, the IMD, and the CAQM that artificial rain is not possible in Delhi during this season, and that people might get diseases as a result. When the Delhi government received this report 6 to 8 months earlier, then how could it spend money on it? CM Rekha Gupta should answer this.”
His remarks centered on two claims: that scientific conditions were unsuitable for cloud seeding, and that potential health risks were flagged in advance. He did not disclose the exact amount spent or the timeline of the work, but said the total ran into “crores.”
What Cloud Seeding Requires
Cloud seeding aims to increase rainfall by dispersing substances like silver iodide into clouds. Scientists say it needs the right kind of clouds, enough moisture, and favorable wind patterns. Without these, success is unlikely.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has often stressed that such operations depend on pre-existing cloud systems. In the post-monsoon weeks around late October, Delhi’s sky can be dry, while pollution builds near the surface. That makes rainmaking efforts difficult.
Agencies Cited by the Critic
Bharadwaj referenced guidance from several bodies:
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- Union Environment Ministry
These agencies track air quality, weather, and public health. Their inputs often shape seasonal plans to manage smog in the National Capital Region, including restrictions on construction dust, vehicle use, and industrial emissions.
Delhi’s Seasonal Air Crisis
Each year, air quality tends to worsen in late October and November. Cooler temperatures and slow winds trap pollutants. Crop residue burning in neighboring states adds smoke to the mix. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital has frequently entered “severe” levels during this period in recent years, prompting school closures and emergency measures.
Against this backdrop, officials have tested short-term fixes, from anti-smog guns to traffic curbs. Some cities have tried cloud seeding to trigger rain that can wash particulate matter from the air. Results, however, are often mixed and hard to verify.
Public Health Concerns
Bharadwaj also warned of disease risks. Public health experts note that sudden weather shifts, stagnant air, and chemical exposure can aggravate respiratory and cardiac conditions. While cloud seeding agents are used in small quantities, critics say the benefits must clearly outweigh any risks, particularly in dense urban areas with vulnerable populations.
The Policy Debate
The dispute taps a broader question: should cities spend heavily on experimental weather interventions, or focus on proven pollution controls? Supporters of artificial rain argue that even modest precipitation can offer short relief during peak smog days. Skeptics counter that resources are better used on enforcement, cleaner fuels, and crop residue management.
The allegation that agencies flagged timing and feasibility months in advance raises issues of planning and accountability. If official advice discouraged seeding in this season, the decision path will face close review.
What Comes Next
Bharadwaj’s demand for a response from CM Rekha Gupta puts pressure on the administration to disclose contracts, costs, and technical evaluations. Key documents would include feasibility studies, weather assessments, and post-operation audits.
For residents bracing for another harsh smog cycle, the outcome matters. Clear evidence of benefits could support limited use of artificial rain under the right conditions. A lack of results would likely shift focus to longer-term measures such as stricter emissions control, better public transport, and regional coordination on crop burning.
The immediate question is whether the cloud seeding spend matched expert advice and seasonal realities. The larger test is whether Delhi’s winter pollution fight will prioritize strategies with measurable gains. Transparency on decisions and data will shape public trust in the weeks ahead.
