Latest news with #DelhiEnvironmentDepartment
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
Delhi Cloud Seeding Project 2025: Artificial Rain to Combat Air Pollution
Inside Delhi's Cloud Seeding Mission to Clean the Air Delhi had planned India's first artificial rain trial, from July 4 to 11. But just days before launch, it was postponed. The irony? The monsoon clouds weren't good enough for rain .So, what exactly was the plan? And why does it matter? Under a ₹3.21 crore project, the Delhi Environment Department, along with IIT Kanpur, wanted to seed clouds using a modified Cessna 206-H aircraft. The idea? To wash out harmful pollutants, especially PM2.5 and PM10 from the air. Now, you may ask what these are. PM2.5 and PM10 are microscopic particles, 2.5 and 10 micrometres wide, small enough to reach deep into your lungs and bloodstream. They're major contributors to Delhi's toxic air. Here's how cloud seeding works. The aircraft releases a mix of silver iodide, iodised salt, and rock salt into the clouds, specifically nimbostratus clouds at altitudes between 500 and 6,000 metres. This chemical blend triggers raindrop formation and that rain helps clean the air below. Each flight lasts about 90 minutes and covers around 100 square kilometres. The target zones? Some of Delhi's most polluted areas, Rohini, Bawana, Alipur, Burari, and even parts of western UP like Loni and Baghpat .The project has approvals from the India Meteorological Department and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Flights will avoid VIP zones and restricted airspace, and follow all aviation rules. Five flights are planned. After each, pollution levels will be measured to track the impact. This trial is part of Delhi's 2025–26 Environment Action Plan, which includes, AI-based pollution enforcement, anti-smog guns, real-time dust monitoring and cleaner public transport. Cloud seeding has been used in various countries, with mixed but measurable outcomes. In the United States, especially in Colorado and Nevada, cloud seeding has been practised for decades to boost snowfall and support water supplies. Independent evaluations show a 5–15% increase in precipitation a modest but valuable gain, particularly in drought-prone regions. China has used cloud seeding extensively, not just for drought management, but also to clear skies ahead of major events, like the 2008 Beijing Olympics. While the government reports success, many international experts say it's difficult to quantify exactly how effective these efforts are, due to the complex nature of weather systems. The United Arab Emirates runs one of the world's most aggressive and advanced cloud seeding programs, conducting over 200 missions annually. Recent studies suggest an average increase of about 22–30% in rainfall, with some localised areas seeing even more. However, following record floods in April 2024, the UAE's heaviest rainfall in 75 years, some speculated that cloud seeding was to blame. In Russia, cloud seeding is typically used for short-term, ceremonial purposes, like ensuring clear skies for parades and public events. Officials say it's been consistently effective for these limited applications. So, why the delay in Delhi? Despite active monsoon conditions, the current clouds don't have the right moisture content for seeding .The new window? August 30 to September 10, but again, it all depends on the weather. If it works, this could be a game-changer in how Indian cities fight air pollution. But for now, all eyes are on the skies. Presentation & Editing: Vishnoo Jotshi Video: Aniket Singh Chauhan
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Delhi to get its first artificial rain in August 2025: What is it, and how does cloud seeding happen
Delhi continues to battle dangerously high levels of air pollution and this time the city is turning to an unconventional solution. For the first time ever, authorities in the national capital are preparing to use cloud seeding, a weather modification technique, to cleanse the city's toxic air. With pollution consistently crossing hazardous levels, and traditional control measures showing limited success, this bold step marks a new chapter in Delhi's environmental efforts. This isn't just another experiment, it's a big step that could actually change how we deal with pollution in cities like Delhi. While cloud seeding has been used before in other parts of India and around the world to boost rainfall, this is the first time it's being tried specifically to fight air pollution in Delhi. The project, led by the Delhi Environment Department in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, was originally set to take place between July 4 and July 11, 2025, but due to harsh weather conditions, it has now been rescheduled for August 2025, according to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. The official title of this ambitious initiative is "Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo What is cloud seeding? Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that uses dispersing specific chemicals into existing clouds to stimulate rainfall. It doesn't create clouds from scratch but enhances precipitation in clouds that already contain enough moisture. According to global studies and IIT Kanpur, the success rate of cloud seeding ranges from 60% to 70%, depending heavily on the weather and cloud type. How does it work? For cloud seeding to be effective, clouds like nimbostratus at altitudes between 500 to 6,000 metres are preferred. Silver iodide, dry ice, and sodium chloride are commonly used agents. In Delhi's case, IIT Kanpur has developed a specialized chemical formula for dispersal. T he actual process uses special Cessna aircraft, modified for the job, which will be used to spray the cloud-seeding chemicals into the sky. These planes are fitted with flare-based systems that can release the agents directly into moisture-heavy clouds. It is planned to have at least five flights, each lasting around 90 minutes and covering nearly 100 square kilometers, mostly over northwest and outer parts of Delhi. The whole operation will be carried out and closely monitored by scientists from IIT Kanpur, who have experience in this kind of weather work. A detailed flight schedule has already been shared with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Pune, and the team is currently waiting for the green light from the DGCA and other aviation authorities to begin the process safely. Why now? Delhi's worsening air quality has reached alarming levels, especially during winters. Traditional solutions like vehicle restrictions, smog towers, and construction bans have had limited success. This artificial rain project could serve as a much-needed breakthrough. 'We want to give Delhi residents cleaner air. This artificial rain project is a bold step, and we're hopeful it brings a real difference,' said Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, as quoted in an official statement. If successful, this experiment could change the way cities like Delhi respond to environmental emergencies—offering a scalable model not just for India but for polluted urban centers worldwide.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cloud-seeding trials in Delhi may cost Rs 1.5 crore each, IIT Kanpur to handle operations: Official
The Delhi Environment Department is set to propose cloud-seeding trials in the next cabinet meeting, with each trial estimated to cost Rs 1.5 crore. IIT Kanpur will spearhead the initiative, managing all aspects from planning to execution. The government aims to conduct the first trial during peak summer on Delhi's outskirts, pending necessary approvals and NOCs from various departments. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in India The Delhi Environment Department is likely to table in the next cabinet meeting a proposal to conduct cloud-seeding trials with each test estimated to cost around Rs 1.5 crore, according to a senior official. If the proposal is approved, the government is expected to transfer the funds directly to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, which will lead the initiative."The entire operation -- from planning to execution, including aircraft, chemicals and other logistical requirements -- will be handled by IIT Kanpur . The government will only provide funding for the trials," a senior official privy to the development told tabling in the next cabinet meeting, the draft proposal will be sent to finance and legal departments, he said the department is planning to conduct the first trial during peak summer at the outskirts of the national capital. Each trial, which will involve artificial rain through cloud-seeding, is expected to cost Rs 1.5 crore. After the initial test run, scientific evaluations will be official said the decision to proceed with the experimental method comes after extensive studies and preparations undertaken by IIT Kanpur."They have already worked on the technical aspects. If the proposal gets cabinet nod, no-objection certificates (NOC) will be sought from the 13 departments whose permissions are required to conduct the trial," the official said.A total of 13 NOCs will be required from key agencies such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation; Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Airports Authority of in an interview with PTI, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that the proposal is in its final stages and will be tabled at the upcoming cabinet meeting."Once approved, it will be shared with all relevant departments for no-objection certificates. We aim to conduct the first trial during peak summer on the outskirts of Delhi," Sirsa added that the government is actively ramping up its pollution control measures using advanced technologies such as digitisation, artificial intelligence-based monitoring, and 24x7 surveillance at pollution hotspots."If everything goes without hurdles, we will consider cloud-seeding as a contingency option during critical pollution periods," Sirsa pollution in the national capital worsened during last winter and resulted in record air quality rankings, both in the country and year, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's Air Quality Index crossed the maximum limit and reached above 450, falling into the severe-plus category.
Hindustan Times
03-05-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Cloud-seeding trials in Delhi may cost ₹1.5 crore each, IIT Kanpur to handle operations: Official
New Delhi, The Delhi Environment Department is likely to table a proposal in the next cabinet meeting to conduct cloud-seeding trials, with each trial estimated to cost around ₹1.5 crore, according to a senior official. If the proposal is approved, the government is expected to transfer funds directly to the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, which will lead the initiative. "The entire operation from planning to execution, including aircraft, chemicals and other logistical requirements will be handled by IIT Kanpur. The government will only provide funding for the trials," a senior official privy to the development told PTI. He said the decision to proceed with the experimental method comes after extensive studies and preparations undertaken by IIT Kanpur. "They have already worked on the technical aspects. If the proposal gets cabinet nod, no-objection certificates will be sought from the 13 departments whose permissions are required to conduct the trial," he said. Each trial, which will involve artificial rain through cloud-seeding, is expected to cost ₹1.5 crore. After the initial test run, scientific evaluations will be conducted. A total of 13 NOCs will be required from key agencies such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Airports Authority of India. Earlier, in an interview with PTI, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that the proposal is in its final stages and will be tabled at the upcoming cabinet meeting. "Once approved, it will be shared with all relevant departments for no-objection certificates. We aim to conduct the first trial during peak summer on the outskirts of Delhi," Sirsa said. He added that the government is actively ramping up its pollution control measures using advanced technologies such as digitisation, artificial intelligence-based monitoring, and 24x7 surveillance at pollution hotspots. "If everything goes without hurdles, we will consider cloud-seeding as a contingency option during critical pollution periods," Sirsa said. Air pollution in the national capital worsened during last winter and resulted in record-breaking air quality rankings, both in the country and globally. Last year, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's Air Quality Index crossed the maximum limit and reached above 450, falling into the severe-plus category.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Delhi environment department imposes Rs 40 lakh fine on construction projects for dust pollution
NEW DELHI : In a strict move against dust pollution , the Delhi Environment Department has imposed a fine of Rs 40 lakh fine on a commercial construction project in Delhi following minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa 's instructions to crack down on violators. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) recently inspected a construction site near Indira Gandhi International Airport and found several violations of dust control norms. Officials said show-cause notices have been issued to four construction sites, each facing a penalty of Rs 10 lakh. The site visit took place last week when Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) -- a set of anti-pollution measures enforced during poor air quality days -- was in effect. During the inspection, officials observed that the site had failed to implement mandated dust control measures. Besides, it was not registered on the DPCC web portal as required for all construction and demolition (C&D) projects in the National Capital Region (NCR) with a plot size of 500 square metres or more. Key violations included the absence of dust and wind-breaking walls, failure to wash the wheels of vehicles entering or exiting the site, uncovered loose soil and construction materials, inadequate water sprinkling on unpaved surfaces and lack of masks for workers. Commenting on the action, Environment Minister Sirsa said it is the duty of the Environment Department to act wherever violations occur. Strict action will be taken, he added. "The lives and health of Delhi's people are more important than anything else. For over two decades, residents have suffered due to pollution but with the BJP government in place, we are committed to doing everything possible to improve the situation. "I am personally monitoring all parameters and indicators of pollution control efforts and ensuring that every possible step is taken on all fronts to reduce pollution and ensure cleaner air for every citizen," Sirsa told PTI. On Monday, Sirsa chaired a review meeting with senior officials of the Environment Department and the DPCC, where he expressed concern over rising Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. He directed all concerned authorities to identify and take strict action against the highly polluting industries, institutions and construction sites. Sirsa also issued clear instructions to suspend construction activities at sites found violating dust control norms and called for the time-bound implementation of pollution mitigation measures across the city.
