The national capital witnessed a small improvement in its air quality on Friday morning. According to data from the Sameer app, developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 288 at 6 am, compared to 373 a day earlier. Although the air quality improved, it still fell within the ‘poor’ category.

The CPCB data showed that Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 305 and Bawana 363, both classified as ‘very poor’. In comparison, Burari Crossing (275) and Chandni Chowk (203) recorded ‘poor’ air quality.

The AQI scale categorizes air quality from ‘good’ (0–50) to ‘severe’ (401–500). Levels between 201–300 are ‘poor’, and 301–400 are considered ‘very poor’.

Air Quality Remains a Concern

On Thursday, Delhi’s air had deteriorated to the ‘severe’ category with an AQI of 373. A thick layer of haze and smog covered the city, sharply reducing visibility. Key areas such as Kartavya Path, Anand Vihar, Burari, and Akshardham were engulfed in fog during early morning hours.

Environmental experts noted that even though there was some improvement on Friday, pollution levels remained far from healthy, especially with stagnant weather conditions and low wind speeds.

Cloud Seeding Delayed Due to Low Moisture

Efforts to induce artificial rain in Delhi through cloud seeding have been temporarily halted. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, which is leading the project, said that the trials were postponed because of “insufficient moisture in the clouds.”

Cloud seeding attempts carried out on Tuesday did not yield the desired outcome. As a result, the next round of trials will be scheduled only when weather conditions become favorable.

Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa explained that the current moisture levels, between 10 to 15 percent, were too low for successful cloud seeding. “According to the IMD, there is still 10 to 15 per cent moisture. Yesterday, our trial was conducted at 10 to 15 per cent moisture, and now the next trial will be held when the moisture exceeds that level,” he said.

Sirsa added that moisture levels were expected to rise after 4 pm on Wednesday. “Once the moisture report arrives, the next trial will begin immediately,” he told ANI.

Political Blame Game Over Pollution

The delay in cloud seeding triggered political sparring in the national capital. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, accusing it of inaction and failure to control pollution.

AAP convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to social media to attack the government. Quoting a media report that questioned whether the cloud seeding trial had failed, he wrote on X, “Actually, all the engines of this government have failed. This government itself has completely failed.”

A Continuing Battle Against Smog

Despite Friday’s slight improvement, Delhi’s air remains trapped in the ‘poor to very poor’ category. With winter approaching and crop residue burning continuing in nearby states, experts warn that pollution levels could rise again unless weather patterns change or stronger measures are implemented.

Officials hope that the next successful cloud seeding attempt will bring some relief to the capital, but for now, the residents of Delhi continue to breathe polluted air under a thick haze.