Delhi Cabinet Approves ₹3.21 Cr Cloud Seeding Project to Curb Pollution
On Wednesday, the Delhi cabinet, under CM Rekha Gupta, approved a ₹3.21 crore project for conducting five cloud seeding trials across the national capital region to fight pollution. The first trial will be held by the end of the month or in the first few days of June in the outskirts after required clearances are obtained, according to an official statement by the environment department. The approval process consists of 13 interministerial and agency clearances, which will include NOCs (no objection certificates) from authorities such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Airport Authority of India.
First Trials By the End of the Month
The first phase of the trial is set to target a 100 km² area along the city’s outskirts and will incur a cost of ₹55 lakh. Delhi Environmental Minister Sirsa said that there will be a one-time set-up cost of ₹66 lakh, including aircraft calibration, chemical storage, logistics and other preparations. Sirsa also highlighted the use of AI-based monitoring. “We are committed to exploring cloud seeding as a contingency option during the critical pollution period. The initiative complements are ongoing efforts, including AI-based monitoring and 24*7 surveillance at pollution hotspots.”
“Post-trial, scientific evaluation will assess the effectiveness and environmental impact of cloud seeding in reducing air pollution,” reads a statement by the environment ministry.
For the trial project, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, has been appointed as the implementing and evaluating agency.
Delhi Finance Department Approves DJB Proposal for New Sewage Treatment Plants
In a recent meeting of the finance department’s Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), a proposal by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to curb the flow of untreated sewage into the Yamuna River was discussed. The proposal suggested the construction of 40 decentralised sewage treatment plants (DSTPs) and the extension of sewer lines to outer Delhi at an estimated cost of ₹3,104.57 crore. This is said to cover approximately 416 unauthorised colonies and a total of 115 villages across seven constituencies of Delhi. If the proposal is approved, it can benefit approximately 35 lakh residents of the capital city.
The Delhi Jal Board outlined a comprehensive plan to provide sewage coverage in areas, including Nazafgarh, Chhatarpur, Matiala, Bijwasan, Mundka, Narela, and Bawana constituencies. Untreated sewage from these localities flows directly into open drains, which eventually lead to the river Yamuna.
DJB Chief Calls for Action
“Currently, sewage from unauthorised colonies and villages is polluting Yamuna and causing unhygienic conditions in the street… After the installation of the sewage systems, sewage will be diverted into the DJB network, improving sanitary conditions and significantly reducing pollution levels,” said DJB’s chief engineer (nodal)-drainage to the national press.
The project will chiefly be funded under the centre’s Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0. A three-month planning period will be followed by an 18-month execution period, including the monsoon days of the year 2025-26. The total amount earmarked for the project is ₹613.4. crore.
Pakistan Continues Relentless Shelling Along LoC After Op Sindoor; 15 Civilians, 1 Jawan Killed
Tensions are rising rapidly between India and Pakistan following the precise striking operation Sindoor. For the 14th consecutive day, Pakistani forces engaged in heavy cross-border shelling. Pakistan engaged in shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), using artillery and mortars. Targeting forward areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor region.
Following this, civilian areas in the Karnah sector were struck shortly after midnight. While there were no civilian casualties reported from Karnah. But the intense cross-border shelling triggered panic and mass evacuations in the region.
Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Terror Camps Across Border
The Indian Armed Forces carried out high-precision airstrikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ on Wednesday. This strike targeted nine terror camps, four in Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).
The operation precisely focused on infrastructure linked to terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. According to official government reports India maintained the strikes were proportionate and aimed solely at neutralizing terror threats.
Indian Soldier Martyred in Ceasefire Violation
In a very tragic incident Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar of the 5 Field Regiment was killed in Pakistani shelling. The soldier died in the Poonch sector on May 7. He had sustained critical injuries earlier in the day before succumbing to his wounds the next day.
Following this, the Indian Army vowed strong retaliation and emphasized the need to protect civilians along the LoC and neighbouring areas.
Defence Leadership Reviews Security Amid Escalation
In the meantime, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh scheduled a high-level meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and the three service chiefs to assess the escalating situation. The Indian Army Chief, Gen Upendra Dwivedi, has instructed commanders to adopt a firm and punitive stance against provocations by the Pakistan Army.
The residents of Rajouri district, began returning to their damaged homes as firing subsided. These residents had earlier fled from their homes amid intense Pakistani shelling. Many locals reported widespread destruction, including shattered windows, damaged rooftops, and collapsed structures. An earlier shelling by the Pakistan army in Poonch and Tangdhar left 15 civilians dead and over 40 injured.
Pakistan Vows Retaliation
In addition to the continuous cross-border shelling Pakistan has threatened a response “at a time and place of its choosing,” calling India’s actions as ‘an act of war’. According to reports, a blast occurred in Lahore on Thursday morning. The incident raised regional security concerns. The neighboring countries, armed with nuclear capabilities, now face heightened tensions, with international observers urging restraint amid the escalations.
5 Dead, 2 Injured in Helicopter Crash Near Gangotri in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi
A very tragic incident has come to light from Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district. A private helicopter en route to the pilgrimage site of Gangotri crashed near Ganganani at around 9 AM. The crash was so severe that it resulted in the deaths of five individuals and leaving two others injured.
Immediate Response by Locals and Authorities
Following the deadly crash the local residents, police personnel, and emergency teams rushed to the crash spot for rescue. The team of police personnel reached the incident site shortly after the incident. Initial reports from the site of the incident revealed that seven individuals were aboard the helicopter when the deadly crash occurred.
Rescue and Relief Operations Initiated
According to the reports, the Uttarakhand Police, Army personnel, and a disaster management Quick Response Team (QRT) arrived on scene for rescue efforts. Furthermore, a Team 108 ambulance, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Bhatwari, and local revenue officials were promptly dispatched to the scene for relief operation.
Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the incident. He stated that, “Administration and relief teams are present at the helicopter crash site”. Meanwhile, the cause of the crash is yet to be determined as rescue operations continue on full force.
ताबड़तोड़ 3 धमाकों से दहला लाहौर, कराची तक दहशत
पाकिस्तान के लाहौर में बड़े धमाके की खबर सामने आ रही है। पाकिस्तान के स्थानीय न्यूज चैनल्स की ओर से लाहौर एयरपोर्ट के पास धमाके की खबर सामने आई है। हालांकि भारत या पाकिस्तान की सरकार की ओर से किसी ने पुष्टि नहीं की है। लाहौर के इस सीरियल ब्लास्ट में कितने लोग हताहत हुए, इसकी भी जानकारी अभी सामने नहीं आई है। लेकिन धमाके के बाद जो वीडियो वायरल हुए हैं उन्हें देखकर पता चलता है कि इमारतों को बड़ा नुकसान पहुंचा है।
📢एक और सबसे बड़ी खबर 📢
लाहौर सीरियल ब्लास्ट धमाके की यह दूसरी वीडियो सामने आ रही है
सीरियल ब्लास्ट धमाकों से पाकिस्तान का Lahore हिल गया है
चश्मदीद बोले रहे है मिसाइल से हुआ हमला #Blast #Lahore #OperationSindoor #IndiaPakistanWar #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/2DQU7B6ejq— Bhanu Nand (@BhanuNand) May 8, 2025