How is Delhi Preparing for 'Artificial Rain'?
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Synopsis
Delhi is gearing up for a groundbreaking experiment in combating air pollution with its first-ever cloud seeding initiative. As scientists embark on their mission from Kanpur, the city hopes to witness artificial rain that could significantly improve air quality. Are we witnessing a revolutionary step in environmental science?
Key Takeaways
- Cloud seeding is a scientific method aimed at inducing rainfall.
- Successful cloud seeding could significantly reduce air pollution in Delhi.
- The operation has received necessary approvals from the Delhi government.
- It can create rain within a 100-kilometer radius, benefiting a large area.
- Experts believe that this could be a historic move in combating toxic air.
Kanpur/New Delhi, Oct 28 (NationPress) As air visibility improved by the afternoon, a plane loaded with scientists departed from Kanpur to carry out cloud seeding and generate artificial rain in the Burari region of Delhi on Tuesday, confirmed an official from IIT-Kanpur.
The aircraft, which had two passengers, took off at 12:20 p.m., with an estimated travel time of about two-and-a-half hours to reach Delhi.
Earlier in the day, Delhi's Forest and Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, informed IANS that the plane was delayed due to low visibility, which was around 2,000 meters, requiring improvement to 5,000 meters for safe takeoff.
Experts had previously conducted tests in northern Delhi in preparation for the city's inaugural cloud seeding operation aimed at scientifically combating air pollution.
Dr. Manish Agarwal, Director of IIT Kanpur, noted that previous attempts to induce artificial rain in the capital faced obstacles due to missing permissions.
“This time, we have obtained the necessary approvals from both the Delhi government and the Ministry of Environment, increasing the likelihood of a successful experiment,” he said.
He elaborated that this method can generate rain within a radius of about 100 kilometers, which would significantly alleviate air pollution.
The IIT team has already finalized all technical arrangements and conducted practice sessions. With favorable weather conditions and cloud presence, artificial rain will be produced using chemical sprays.
Experts assert that artificial rain can help settle dust, smoke, and pollutants in the atmosphere, leading to cleaner air and much-needed relief from pollution.
Delhi's Chief Minister previously announced her government's ambitious plans to tackle the city's toxic air using scientific strategies.
In anticipation of the first-ever cloud seeding operation to address air pollution scientifically, CM Gupta stated, “If conditions remain favorable, Delhi will witness its first artificial rain on October 29.”
“Preparations have been finalized for Delhi's inaugural attempt at inducing artificial rain via cloud seeding. Today, experts successfully tested this method in the Burari area. The weather department has indicated the possibility of cloud presence on October 28, 29, and 30,” she shared on her X platform.
She emphasized, “This initiative is not merely historic from a technical standpoint but also aims to establish a scientific approach to combating pollution in Delhi.”
Point of View
I believe this cloud seeding initiative represents a crucial step toward addressing the severe pollution crisis in Delhi. While the science behind it is promising, it is essential to monitor its implementation and effectiveness closely. We must ensure that such innovative solutions are not only scientifically sound but also environmentally sustainable in the long run.
NationPress
29/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cloud seeding?
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to enhance precipitation by dispersing substances into the atmosphere that serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei.
How does cloud seeding help in pollution control?
By inducing rain, cloud seeding can help settle dust and pollutants in the air, thereby improving overall air quality.
Is cloud seeding safe?
Cloud seeding is generally considered safe when conducted under strict regulations and guidelines, though ongoing monitoring is essential.
What are the expected outcomes of this cloud seeding experiment?
The primary outcome is to generate artificial rain that can help reduce air pollution levels in Delhi, providing immediate relief to residents.
When will the cloud seeding take place?
The cloud seeding operation is planned for October 29, contingent upon favorable weather conditions.
