To reduce pollution levels in Delhi, the government conducted cloud seeding using two aircraft to induce artificial rain in the city on Tuesday. However, the efforts failed to bring any rainfall due to extremely low moisture content in the atmosphere. Scroll down to learn more.
Cloud Seeding Fails To Bring Rain In Delhi
Before we get into the details, let’s quickly explain what ‘cloud seeding’ actually is. It’s a scientific technique used to induce artificial rain by dispersing substances like silver iodide or sodium chloride into the clouds. These substances act as nuclei around which water droplets form, increasing the chances of precipitation and rainfall.
As per a report by News18, the Delhi government carried out this experiment as part of an MoU signed with IIT Kanpur in September for a series of experimental trials in northwest Delhi. The government had approved a proposal to conduct five cloud seeding trials at a cost of ₹3.21 crore to combat air pollution in and around the capital. Permissions were also obtained from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to carry out the trials between October and November.
Also Read: Delhi Might Turn To Cloud Seeding To Counter Post-Diwali Pollution; Here’s All You Need To Know
What Went Wrong With The Process?
According to News18, two flights took off on Tuesday for this process: one from IIT Kanpur and another from Meerut. These used a Cessna aircraft equipped with silver iodide and salt-based flares to disperse the ‘seeding mixture’ into the air. The first flight dispersed around 3-4 kg of material, while the second released another 4 kg.
The aircraft flew over areas such as Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, Sadakpur, Bhojpur, and parts of Noida. But despite all efforts, the cloud seeding failed to produce any rainfall. The reason? Extremely low moisture content in the atmosphere. Cloud seeding requires humidity levels of at least 50% for the agents to work effectively and trigger condensation and precipitation. However, on Tuesday, humidity levels were estimated to be between 10%-20%.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa told India Today that the trial was conducted to check if cloud seeding was possible even at humidity levels of 10-15%. He added that the purpose of carrying out the trials in low moisture conditions was to collect data for different humidity levels. He also revealed that ten more trials are planned, targeting areas in northern Delhi and its outskirts.
According to News18, though there was no significant rainfall, IIT Kanpur’s data showed drizzle in some parts of the NCR. A slight improvement in air quality was also recorded after the trials. Though the experiment failed to bring rainfall, the government remains hopeful about the future trials of cloud seeding.
What are your thoughts on cloud seeding in Delhi? Do share them with us in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: @TheKanpurIndex/X and Canva Pro/RomoloTavani
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