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What Is Cloud Seeding & How Can It Help Delhi Combat Air Pollution?

Delhi artificial rain

Come July, Delhi will witness its first-ever cloud artificial rain to combat its persistent air pollution issue. Several media reports suggest that the cloud seeding trials will take place from July 4 to 11, if weather conditions remain favourable. But what is cloud seeding and how will it help Delhi? Scroll on to find out.

What Is Delhi’s Artificial Rain Project?

According to the Financial Express, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that the city will conduct its first artificial rain initiative using cloud seeding operations. The “bold step” of artificial rain in Delhi is likely to bring “meaningful change” like improving the city’s air quality. Experts are calling it a significant step towards urban pollution control but how exactly cloud seeding works?

Cloud seeding is an advanced weather modification technique, Under this, experts use various methods to stimulate artificial rain. Special substances such as silver iodide or salt are dispersed into moisture-laden clouds using aeroplanes, rockets, or machines on the ground. The chemicals then work to form water droplets heavy enough to form raindrops.

Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Arkadij Schell (representative image)

Countries like China, the USA, and the UAE have previously used this method to help with droughts, even increase snowfall, and improve air quality. The method usually works when there are clouds in the sky and increases rainfall by about 5-15%, an NDTV report said.

Also Read: “Restored My Faith In People,” Swiggy Customer Receives Apology From Delhi Restaurant Chef For Serving Oily Curry

All You Need To Know About This Project

Delhi’s artificial rain project is called ’Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation’. As per reports, it will involve five aircraft sorties, each lasting around 90 minutes, over low-security air zones in northwest and outer Delhi. The planes will cover approximately 100 square kilometres and disperse a scientifically formulated seeding mixture. A flight plan for the seeding operation has already been submitted by IIT Kanpur to IMD Pune.

Also Read: Delhi Woman Shares Her “Horrible Experience” In Mumbai Auto Ride About Being Harassed; Netizens React

What are your thoughts on Delhi’s artificial rain plans? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Jemish Mayani (representative image)

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Tashika Tyagi: Good coffee, charming cafes, indulgent desserts, and Indian street food - these are just a few things Tashika can never say 'no' to! When she’s not scouting out new spots to explore or eat at, you'll likely find her experimenting with Instagram recipes in the kitchen or binge-watching a K-dramas.