Delhi plans cloud seeding trials to tackle pollution with artificial rain
The Delhi cabinet on Wednesday took a historic decision to carry out cloud seeding or artificial rain in the national capital in order to combat pollution. Pollution has been a major issue for the state for a long time, and to control it, the cabinet has taken this crucial step in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, according to a member.This move is a major step towards seeking novel solutions for enhancing air quality and public health in the city.advertisementKEY FEATURES OF THE CLOUD SEEDING PROJECT:Overview of the project:
The project, which is called "Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR," consists of carrying out five cloud seeding experiments. The major aim is to evaluate the efficiency of induced rain in minimising air pollutants.Implementation and supervision:The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur will be responsible for implementing the project. Planning, aircraft deployment, chemical dispersal, scientific modelling, and logistics for operations will be their areas of responsibility. The Delhi government will make the payments directly to IIT Kanpur for it.Allocation of fundsThe overall expenditure on the project is 3.21 crore. This comprises Rs 2.75 crore for the five trials of 55 lakh each and a setup cost of Rs 66 lakh, one-time covering aircraft calibration, chemical storage, logistics, and other preparatory arrangements.Trail timeline and coverage:advertisementThe initial trial is to take place in late May or June 2025, depending on the necessary clearances. It will be held over about 100 square kilometres in areas mostly on the outskirts of Delhi. Follow-up trials will be done in phases, with scientific assessments afterwards to determine effectiveness and environmental effects.Regulatory approvalsThe government will approach 13 central agencies, such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Airports Authority of India, among others, for no-objection certificates.The move by the Delhi government to test cloud seeding is a positive step towards addressing the city's air pollution problem. Through the use of scientific techniques and in partnership with top institutions such as IIT Kanpur, the program seeks to offer quick relief during peak pollution seasons.Experts, however, warn that although cloud seeding can provide short-term relief, long-term and holistic solutions are needed to tackle the causes of air pollution in Delhi.Tune InMust Watch
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