Delhi is grappling with ‘very poor’ air quality amid Diwali festivities and changing weather conditions. As the city continues to battle toxic pollution levels, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday reaffirmed the BJP government’s plan to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding as a measure to improve air quality. However, Sirsa did not immediately announce a plan for cloud seeding, stating that it is only possible “when there are clouds.”
Manjinder Singh Sirsa Responds to Cloud Seeding Queries
Sirsa’s remark came while addressing a press conference in the national capital, where he spoke in length about the AQI level post-Diwali and measures that the Delhi government is planning to implement in view of the current situation. “For those who are asking us, why are we not getting cloud seeding done. I want to tell them that in cloud seeding, the cloud comes first and then comes seeding. Seeding can only be done when there are clouds. The day there will be clouds, we will get seeding done and there will be rain as well,” Sirsa said.
#WATCH | On cloud seeding, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, "For those who are asking us, why are we not getting cloud seeding done. I want to tell them that in cloud seeding, cloud comes first and then comes seeding. Seeding can only be done when there are clouds. The… pic.twitter.com/iewYjcUxwi
— ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2025
Sirsa on Post-Diwali AQI
He addressed the concerns about impact of firecrackers on air quality over recent years. Sharing the data, Sirsa asserted that the increase in Delhi’s post-Diwali AQI was notably lower this time. He also criticised AAP for “blaming” Diwali for the increase in pollution, accusing them of disrespecting the festival and accusing the BJP.
“In 2020, the firecrackers in Diwali were going on. At that time, PM 2.5 was 414 before Diwali and 435 after Diwali. There was an increase of 21 points in the firecrackers. In 2021, there was an increase of 80 points. In 2024, when the firecrackers were banned, the AQI was 328 before Diwali and 360 after Diwali. 32 points increased when the firecrackers were banned. On the order of the Supreme Court and on the request of the Delhi government, we got permission for green firecrackers… Before Diwali, the AQI was 345, and after Diwali, the AQI was 356, according to the CPCB’s Sameer App… Only 11 points increased when the firecrackers were allowed,” the minister added.
#WATCH | Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, "In 2020, the firecrackers in Diwali were going on. At that time, PM 2.5 was 414 before Diwali and 435 after Diwali. There was an increase of 21 points in the firecrackers. In 2021, there was an increase of 80 points. In 2024,… pic.twitter.com/CHm0XkDlAW
— ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2025
Delhi AQI Today
Notably, Delhi woke up to a thick smog on Tuesday morning, as the air quality plummeted to the ‘Very Poor’ category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), recorded Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 351 as of 4 pm.
