‘Cloud seeding is just cosmetic’

Amid the ongoing debate over air quality data manipulation, Delhi once again lies shrouded in toxic smog as winter sets in. With citizens, environmentalists, and political leaders taking to the streets to demand their fundamental right to clean air, questions arise: can pollution data really be tampered with, and are temporary fixes, such as anti-smog guns, mist sprays, and artificial rain, enough to clear the city’s foul air?

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In conversation with MUSKAN BHATIA of The Statesman, Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director (Research and Advocacy) at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), explains why credible data is essential and why long-term, multi-sector action is the only real solution.

Over the past two decades, she has led major policy campaigns on air pollution - especially vehicular emissions - and helped design clean air action plans in Indian and African cities, including the pioneering Right to Clean Air campaign.

Edited excerpts:

Q. In a recent interview, it was mentioned that air quality data can be manipulated by using water sprinklers around monitoring stations. What makes you say that?

A: Claims about the potential manipulation of air quality data through water sprinkling near monitoring stations have been reported in the media and are worrying. The key question, however, is whether such actions can actually alter the readings. As of now, we have not conducted any independent assessment to determine the extent to which water sprinkling near monitoring stations might influence air quality data.

Itis an aspect that certainly needs examination. That is why we have emphasized the importance of regular audits of air quality monitoring stations - to ensure that proper monitoring protocols are followed and to identify any external factors or activities around the stations that could affect the readings.

Q. There were reports of missing air quality dataonthe night of Diwali. If data manipulation or gaps do occur, why is itimportant to address them?