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If weather conditions permit, the Delhi government will conduct its first artificial rain test on October 29 under IIT Kanpur’s guidance. The cloud seeding experiment aims to reduce rising pollution levels during winter and improve the city’s deteriorating air quality.
First-Ever Artificial Rain Test Possible in Delhi
New Delhi: Delhi's air is becoming increasingly toxic. Air quality deteriorates further during the winter months, and in response, the government has now initiated a new technological effort, 'Testing artificial rain.'
If the weather cooperates, the first-ever test of artificial rain will be conducted in Delhi on October 29th.
Artificial rain is a technique in which chemicals are sprayed into clouds to convert the water vapor present in them into rain. Compounds such as silver iodide and sodium chloride are commonly used for this purpose.
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When these chemicals are released into the clouds from an aircraft, they cause small water droplets to combine and grow larger, eventually falling to the ground as raindrops.
During the winter months, pollution levels in Delhi become extremely dangerous. Stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and cold winds trap pollutants in the air. Artificial rain can help bring these dust and smoke particles down to the ground, thus cleaning the air to some extent.
The government believes that if this experiment is successful, an immediate improvement in Delhi's air quality could be seen.
Delhi's Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, stated that the aircraft for artificial rain will arrive in Delhi from Kanpur, and if the weather is favorable, the test will be conducted on October 29th.
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Earlier, a trial was conducted in the Burari area, where chemicals were sprayed, but due to only 20% humidity, rain could not be produced. At least 50% humidity is required for artificial rain.
IIT Kanpur is leading this project. The institution stated that this test flight is being conducted to examine the "cloud seeding" technology—evaluating the coordination capabilities of the aircraft, equipment, and agencies involved.
IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government have signed an agreement for five trials, all of which will take place in areas of Northwest Delhi.
The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has permitted IIT Kanpur to conduct these trials anytime between October 1st and November 30th. According to the meteorological department, suitable cloud formation is expected between October 28th and 30th.
Therefore, the government hopes that October 29th will be the most suitable day for this experiment.
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If everything goes according to plan, this will be a significant environmental experiment for the country, conducted in Delhi. This attempt to reduce pollution through artificial rain could serve as an example for other cities in the future.
This step demonstrates that the government is now moving towards combating pollution not only through restrictions but also through technological innovations.
