Artificial rain to be used in Mumbai to combat pollution

Mumbai : Artificial rain is to be used in Mumbai to prevent pollution causing dust particles from spreading in the air.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday invited Global Expression of Interest (EOl) from entities namely companies, firms, etc.

The civic body has said that applications are invited from reputed firms/organizations previously engaged in the same kind of work in the last three years.

So far, six Indian companies have responded with interest. Tenders will be invited to carry out the next process.

This move comes after chief minister Eknath Shinde earlier this month in a review meeting on pollution in the state with officials directed the BMC to examine if cloud seeding to produce artificial rain can be used to reduce dust pollution in Mumbai.

Mumbai is experiencing a concerning rise in air pollution levels, with October being one of the most polluted months. The city’s air quality index (AQI) reached over 300 in some suburbs, surpassing even Delhi’s levels. 

This increase in pollution has led to a surge in respiratory complaints, particularly among children. Ongoing construction projects, metro construction, high density of private cars, and climate change are believed to be contributing factors.