Latest news with #ManjinderSinghSirsa
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- Health
- India Gazette
Delhi government seeks Rs 1,000 crore from Centre to combat air pollution: Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): The Delhi government has requested Rs 1,000 crore in funding from the Central government to deploy new technology and implement measures aimed at reducing the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital, Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said on Sunday during an inspection of Nehru Park. Minister Singh visited Nehru Park along with Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, as part of the government's initiative to install air purifiers in the area. 'Since we have formed the government, our cabinet minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and his department have taken many steps in lowering pollution and AQI in will identify spots in Delhi and come forward with our best technology. We have requested a funding of Rs 1000 crores from the central government for this,' Parvesh Sahib Singh. Meanwhile, Sirsa highlighted the study being conducted in the park, adding, 'AQI is a big challenge in Delhi. We are working to lower the are conducting a study in Nehru Park. As many people come to this area for morning walks and exercise, we are trying to determine if we can lower the AQI in a particular location...,' said Sirsa. The air purifiers, which would be installed in the area, could cover an area of 600 square meters each. The project will be funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships with private firms, ensuring that there is no direct financial burden on the government. The air purifiers use a unique system to capture and store polluting particles, operating 24/7 with minimal maintenance requirements. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's air quality, as measured by the CO PM 10 pollutant, stands at 97 AQI, which falls within the satisfactory range. While in ALipur the AQI is 77, Anand Vihar being 84, Ashok Vihar being 91, Aya Nagar being 61. According to the CPCB, an AQI of 0-50 is considered good, with minimal health impact, 51-100 is satisfactory, with minor breathing discomfort for sensitive individuals, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is Very Poor, and 401-500 is severe. On Saturday, several parts of the national capital witnessed sudden showers offering a welcome respite from the sweltering heat that had gripped the city over the past few days. The rain brought down temperatures noticeably across several areas. 'Moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied with moderate thunderstorm and lightning (40-60 Km/h gusty winds) is very likely to occur at few places of Delhi ( Jafarpur, Nazafgarh, Dwarka, Palam, IGI Airport, Vasant Vihar, Vasant Kunj, Hauzkhas, Malviyanagar, Kalkaji, Mahrauli, Tughlakabad, Chhattarpur, IGNOU, Ayanagar, Deramandi), NCR ( Noida, Dadri, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar, Ballabhgarh) Jind, Hansi, Meham, Mattanhail, Jhajjar, Farukhnagar, Sohana, Palwal (Haryana) Sikandrabad, Nandgaon, Barsana, Agra (U.P.) Nagar, Deeg (Rajasthan),' IMD posted on X. The IMD on Saturday said that the conditions are becoming favourable for further advance of the Southwest monsoon over the remaining parts of the country during the next two days. The southwest monsoon has yet to cover Delhi, some parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- General
- India Gazette
"Working to lower AQI...conducting study in Nehru Park": Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday announced plans to install outdoor air purifiers at Nehru Park as part of a pilot project to create the city's first 'clean air zone'. The initiative aims to reduce pollution levels in public spaces, particularly in areas with high foot traffic, such as parks. 'AQI is a big challenge in Delhi. We are working to lower the are conducting a study in Nehru Park. As many people come to this area for morning walks and exercise, we are trying to determine if we can lower the AQI in a particular location...,' said Sirsa. Improve air quality in Nehru Park by installing outdoor air purifiers that can cover an area of approximately 600 square meters each. The project will be funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships with private firms, ensuring that there is no direct financial burden on the government. The air purifiers use a unique system to capture and store polluting particles, operating 24/7 with minimal maintenance requirements. Earlier today, Sirsa and PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma inspected Nehru Park on Sunday. Delhi recorded a 'satisfactory' AQI of 84 today, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Nehru Park attracts hundreds of walkers, joggers, and yoga enthusiasts daily, making it an ideal location for testing air purification technology. By reducing pollution levels in public spaces, the initiative aims to create healthier environments for citizens. Earlier on June 15, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked the already enforced Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect after AQI was recorded at 140. The Sub-Committee on GRAP further reviewed the air quality scenario in the region, as well as the forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the air quality index of Delhi, during its meeting. 'AQI of Delhi has shown consistent improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions, and the AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 140 for June 15, 2025 (in 'Moderate' category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in the 'Moderate' category in the coming days,' the order issued by the CAQM read. Accordingly, the subcommittee decided to revoke its order, which invoked actions under Stage-I ('Poor' Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect. 'All the agencies of the concerned State Govts./GNCTD in the NCR, in an effort to sustain the better AQI levels as being experienced currently and not to let the air quality slip to the 'Poor' category, however need to ensure that all statutory directions, advisories, orders etc. issued by the Commission are followed and implemented in right earnest, including the rules/ regulations/ guidelines issued by MoEFCC and the Central Pollution Control Board and related instructions/ guidelines issued by the respective State Govts./GNCTD and Pollution Control Boards/DPCC, across all contributing sectors,' the order read. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Delhi government requests ₹1,000 crore from centre for tackling air quality
The Delhi government has requested ₹ 1,000 crore in funding from the Central government to deploy new technology and implement measures aimed at reducing the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital, Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said on Sunday during an inspection of Nehru Park. We will identify spots in Delhi and come forward with our best technology, said Parvesh Sahib Singh.(PTI file) Minister Singh visited Nehru Park along with Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, as part of the government's initiative to install air purifiers in the area. "Since we have formed the government, our cabinet minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and his department have taken many steps in lowering pollution and AQI in will identify spots in Delhi and come forward with our best technology. We have requested a funding of ₹ 1000 crores from the central government for this," Parvesh Sahib Singh. Meanwhile, Sirsa highlighted the study being conducted in the park, adding, "AQI is a big challenge in Delhi. We are working to lower the are conducting a study in Nehru Park. As many people come to this area for morning walks and exercise, we are trying to determine if we can lower the AQI in a particular location...," said Sirsa. The air purifiers, which would be installed in the area, could cover an area of 600 square meters each. The project will be funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships with private firms, ensuring that there is no direct financial burden on the government. The air purifiers use a unique system to capture and store polluting particles, operating 24/7 with minimal maintenance requirements. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's air quality, as measured by the CO PM 10 pollutant, stands at 97 AQI, which falls within the satisfactory range. While in ALipur the AQI is 77, Anand Vihar being 84, Ashok Vihar being 91, Aya Nagar being 61. According to the CPCB, an AQI of 0-50 is considered good, with minimal health impact, 51-100 is satisfactory, with minor breathing discomfort for sensitive individuals, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is Very Poor, and 401-500 is severe. On Saturday, several parts of the national capital witnessed sudden showers offering a welcome respite from the sweltering heat that had gripped the city over the past few days. The rain brought down temperatures noticeably across several areas. "Moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied with moderate thunderstorm and lightning (40-60 Km/h gusty winds) is very likely to occur at few places of Delhi ( Jafarpur, Nazafgarh, Dwarka, Palam, IGI Airport, Vasant Vihar, Vasant Kunj, Hauzkhas, Malviyanagar, Kalkaji, Mahrauli, Tughlakabad, Chhattarpur, IGNOU, Ayanagar, Deramandi), NCR ( Noida, Dadri, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar, Ballabhgarh) Jind, Hansi, Meham, Mattanhail, Jhajjar, Farukhnagar, Sohana, Palwal (Haryana) Sikandrabad, Nandgaon, Barsana, Agra (U.P.) Nagar, Deeg (Rajasthan)," IMD posted on X. The IMD on Saturday said that the conditions are becoming favourable for further advance of the Southwest monsoon over the remaining parts of the country during the next two days. The southwest monsoon has yet to cover Delhi, some parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
The Wire
4 hours ago
- Climate
- The Wire
Delhi's First Trial Run of Artificial Rain to be Conducted From July 4-11: Environment minister
Environment AAP, Delhi's former ruling party, which had earlier suggested cloud seeding to reduce air pollution, has raised questions about conducting the trial run in monsoon. Vehicles ply on a road near the India Gate on a cloudy afternoon, in New Delhi. Photo: PTI New Delhi: While it may bear good news to Delhiites hoping for better air quality, the timing may prove to be the spoiler. Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has announced that his government would go ahead with a trial run of artificial rain in the national capital to lower air pollution, a first of its kind and a much-awaited welcome move, but he also said that the trial would run between this July 14 and 11 which would be after the onset of the monsoons in the area. Speaking to media persons on June 28, Sirsa said, 'The initiative marks a historic step in controlling urban air pollution. Our aim is to provide Delhiites with clean air. That's why we are taking this bold step of inducing artificial rain. We are hopeful that it will bring about a meaningful change.' As per media reports, the trial would be carried out by the Indian Meteorological Institute as per a plan for cloud seeding submitted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. 'The premier engineering institute has been tasked with implementing the project by overseeing deployment of aircraft, chemical disposal, scientific modelling, planning, and operational logistics,' stated The Hindu. The report does quote the minister of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) admitting that the weather conditions for the project 'were found to be unsuitable until July 3' but added that 'a widow has been identified between July 4 and 11.' What is of concern, though, is whether the heavy waterlogging that usually happens after the rains across the city would get adequate time to clear up before the artificial rains drop on the city. The report added that the Delhi government has sent a proposal to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which would be providing the aircraft, requesting an 'alternative window' in case the weather conditions remain unfavourable after July 3 so that the trial could be carried out at a later date. It must be noted that though the BJP government in Delhi has pushed for the trial, the Union government run by its party, did not move when the former Aam Aadmi Party's government had written letters to the Narendra Modi government to fast-track the clearances needed for cloud seeding even though it had called it an emergency measure to bring down air pollution in the city. Then Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai, on November 19, 2024, had written to the Union government, seeking PM Modi's intervention for artificial rain in the national capital to combat the worsening air pollution levels. Addressing a press meet that day, Rai had then said that his immediate intervention was required as it 'is his moral responsibility' as it 'is a medical emergency'. However, there was no response from the prime minister's office or his government then. He had also cited a letter addressed to Union environment minister Bhupendra Yadav seeking the approvals for artificial rain. He said, 'He (Yadav) has not called a single meeting on artificial rain despite my four letters sent in August, September, October and today.' 'PM Modi should ask his environment minister to convene a meeting on artificial rain. Either give a solution or clear the path for artificial rains. If central government cannot act, their minister should resign,' Rai had told reporters. The Wire tried reaching out to Gopal Rai on the matter but failed to get a response. Following the BJP's announcement, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj, however, questioned the idea for a trial during the monsoons. Who conducts an artificial rain trial during the rainy season, he asked. Sirsa's response gave away his party's attempt at taking credit for it. 'We were the ones who signed the memorandum of understanding first, made the payment to IIT, Kanpur, and applied for the necessary approvals because we want to bring about actual change… AAP did not do anything except talk about inducing artificial rain. Our government (BJP's Rekha Gupta-led government), on the other hand, has worked sincerely. That is why, within just four months of forming the government, we are at the stage of finalising the date for Delhi's first artificial rain,' he claimed. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Delhi plans cloud-seeding trial in July, awaiting final clearance from DGCA
NEW DELHI: Delhi govt is likely to conduct a cloud seeding pilot project between July 4 and 11, when weather is expected to be feasible for causing artificial rain, city environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said. He added that govt had received a report from IMD, which has been shared with DGCA along with a flight map for getting permission for the project. The govt has chalked out a tentative flight plan for the experiment, which includes Bawana, Rohini, Alipur, Kundli and Burari. The minister said IMD's reports and the flight map were approved in coordination with IIT Kanpur. The Delhi cabinet had on May 7 okayed a proposal to conduct five cloud-seeding trials, with a project outlay of Rs 3.21 crore. The trials were to be carried out in May-end and early June in collaboration with IIT Kanpur. "The met department told us that till July 3 conditions are not feasible for cloud seeding; however, the July 4-11 window is favourable. DGCA has sought a backup time window in case cloud-seeding turns unfeasible during July 4-11 due to weather changes," Sirsa said. "We believe that by Monday we'll see progress in getting approvals from DGCA," the minister said. IIT-Kanpur to conduct trials for artificial rain Cloud seeding is a weather-modification technique that introduces chemicals into the air to aggregate and condense moisture particles into rain. In this technique, compounds such as silver iodide (AgI) are released into the atmosphere to aid the formation of ice crystals that lead to rain. Soon after the formation of the BJP-led govt in Delhi, Sirsa announced that they would seek no-objection certificates from agencies concerned for conducting artificial rain in the winter season, when the capital records high pollution levels. Later, on June 18, the minister said govt had received all clearances barring that from the DGCA. For cloud seeding, clearances are needed from the Special Protection Group (SPG), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Union ministries of environment, defence and home, UP govt, IMD as well as DGCA, Airport Authority of India and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Trials for artificial rain will be executed by IIT Kanpur, which had earlier conducted the experiment using its own modified aircraft equipped with a mist sprinkler aiming to cover a minimum of 100sq km per sortie. The minister had earlier said IIT Kanpur's aircraft has the necessary permit from DGCA and can remain in the air for around five hours. Scientists from IIT Kanpur expect the sortie to take at least one hour and 30 minutes. The minister had also stated that after the trial, water samples will be collected to conduct a study to ensure see if there are harmful chemicals in it. He added that as per global studies and an earlier trial run by IIT Kanpur, the success rate is around 60-70%. As per IIT Kanpur, nimbostratus clouds are the most suitable type for seeding experiments. These are usually at heights of 500-6,000 meters above ground level. The previous AAP govt had repeatedly proposed conducting artificial rain during winters but shelved it citing unfavourable meteorological conditions. During the winter of 2024, the AAP govt had floated the plan again but later alleged that it was not getting enough support or backing from the Centre.
