Gurugram residents take matters into their own hands to combat smog with artificial rain

As air quality continues to deteriorate with each passing day and no concrete government plan is in sight, Gurugram residents have started taking things in their hands now. Taking the lead, residents of DLF Primus Society in Sector 82 have started trying out ‘artificial rain’ using sprinklers from the high-rise building in Gurugram to control air pollution.

Achal Yadav, RWA president of DLF Primus Sector-82, said, “We are conducting artificial rain from the fire lines of the 32-storey high-rise towers to control air pollution in the area. If the AQI increases in Gurugram, we are ready to conduct this every day. We have also taken other steps, including carpooling, to control pollution.”

‘Ready to conduct this every day’

We are conducting artificial rain from the fire lines of the 32-storey high-rise towers to control air pollution in the area. If the AQI increases in Gurugram, we are ready to conduct this every day. — Achal Yadav, RWA president of DLF Primus, Sec 82

The society has around 600 flats and over 1,200 residents.

Gurugram has been struggling with ‘very poor’ air quality ever after Diwali and despite implementation of GRAP, there has been no improvement. The residents, who are struggling with health crises owing to pollution, are now getting together to do their best in order to tackle the problem. The idea adopted by the people living in the residential society has inspired many who are planning similar measures for their societies. The initiative has been termed as ‘Let’s Breathe Easy’.

“It’s an easy and effective initiative. High-pressure water spraying from our terrace will create a refreshing, mist-like effect, helping to cleanse the air. The society is also working in landscape revitalisation. Our landscape team will be thoroughly cleaning the leaves of plants and trees, enhancing their ability to purify the air,” added JP Mann, another resident.

While societies are out doing their bit, the United Association of New Gurugram said the authorities had played their part and made smog a perennial winter ritual.

“We are still waiting for a localised and dedicated anti-pollution plan. The authorities would be working on controlling dust pollution, repairing roads, stopping illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste and arranging for water sprinkling and anti-smog guns. People are facing health crises owing to pollution. It’s high time the government thought about dealing with permanent cause of this problem, which is the Kherki Daula toll plaza. The heavy vehicular traffic at the toll plaza majorly contributes to the pollution here,” said the association in a statement.