Delhi is considering a groundbreaking approach to tackle its persistent air pollution crisis by exploring the possibility of cloud seeding to generate artificial rain. This initiative, spearheaded by the state environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, is contingent upon favorable weather patterns in Kanpur, where the specialized aircraft for the operation is stationed.
Visibility in Kanpur is currently at 2,000 meters, and the operation can commence once it improves to 5,000 meters. This move comes as Delhi’s air quality has been consistently ranked ‘very poor’, with areas like Anand Vihar recording a high Air Quality Index (AQI) of 321.
Understanding Cloud Seeding: A Solution for Smog?
Cloud seeding is a scientific technique used to create artificial rainfall. It involves introducing specific particles, such as silver iodide crystals or salt-based compounds, into clouds that are rich in moisture. The aim is to encourage the formation of larger raindrops, potentially leading to precipitation that can help clear the polluted air.
Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, has emphasized the necessity of such measures, viewing cloud seeding as a critical step in addressing the city’s severe environmental challenges.
How the Process Works:
The cloud seeding process involves dispersing specialized particles from aircraft. These particles act as nuclei, prompting tiny cloud droplets to condense and grow into larger raindrops. When conditions are right, this can result in rainfall.
Preparations for this experimental trial are complete, with a test flight having already been conducted over Burari. During this test, small amounts of silver iodide and sodium chloride were released from an aircraft. However, previous attempts were hampered by low atmospheric moisture levels (less than 20%), falling short of the required 50% for effective cloud seeding.
The Importance of Kanpur’s Weather:
The entire operation’s success is closely tied to the weather conditions in Kanpur, as the aircraft is based there. Minister Sirsa noted, “As soon as the weather clears up in Kanpur, our aircraft will take off from there today. If it succeeds in taking off from there, cloud seeding will be done in Delhi today. Through that cloud seeding, there will be rainfall in Delhi.”
The Delhi government has collaborated with IIT Kanpur for this initiative, having signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct five cloud seeding trials. This partnership signifies a commitment to exploring innovative solutions for the city’s environmental woes.