If rationality and data take a backseat, the courts hesitate to take reasonable decisions, and a government which must prioritise public health does the opposite, then democracy – which is about accountability to the people and the well-being of all – also suffers.

The Delhi government, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, is ready to launch its ₹3.21-crore cloud seeding project soon after Diwali to curb severe air pollution. The initiative awaits IMD’s final approval and favourable cloud conditions for the first artificial rain trial.