Delhi Air Pollution: Government Explores Cloud Seeding To Induce Artificial Rains
The Aam Admi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has proposed to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding to reduce the national capital's air pollution levels.
According to Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, artificial rains could be attempted in Delhi around November 20-21 when the conditions become favourable.
When will Delhi see artificial rains?
"Experts anticipate that such conditions could develop around November 20-21. We have asked the scientists to prepare a proposal by Thursday that will be submitted to the Supreme Court," Rai, who held a meeting with scientists from IIT-Kanpur on cloud seeding, said.
Earlier, Rai had met with IIT-Kanpur experts to discuss the idea of cloud seeding.?
According to Delhi government officials, the report submitted by IIT-Kanpur to the Delhi Government will be sent to the Supreme Court on Friday, seeking its permission to get the help of the Centre for the same.
"If we get the proposal by tomorrow, then we will present it to the Supreme Court as there are a number of permissions required. Even if we see the clouds before November 20, then they can do the pilot project," Rai said.
Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena said in a post on X, "A delegation from CII & IIT, Kanpur, met today to discuss the possibility of cloud seeding - artificial rain in the capital, for mitigating the prevalent air pollution. Enquired about the effectiveness of the technology and asked them to submit a concrete proposal."
Why cloud seeding?
In September,?Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government would explore cloud seeding technology to enable precipitation in the national capital during times of low rainfall.
He said that cloud seeding technology is being used in China and Dubai, and on the "same lines, we will see its possibility in Delhi, especially during winter months".
What is cloud seeding?
Cloud seeding is a process by which rains are induced artificially by implanting clouds.
Cloud seeding is carried out by sprinkling chemical agents such as silver iodide, dry ice, and common salt from a plane. These agents provide the nuclei around which water vapour can condense, ultimately leading to the formation of rain or snow.
Suitable clouds are identified based on the location of the target area and the prevailing winds. Cloud seeding produces rain when it doesn't happen naturally or increases the amount of rainfall in case of a deficit.
India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that inducing artificial rain can only be attempted when clouds or moisture are available.
"There have been a few attempts in India in this regard -- in Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Globally, research is being conducted on artificial rain ... the basic requirement is clouds or moisture. In India, research on artificial rain is ongoing, but it has not made significant progress so far," he said.
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