Delhi cloud seeding trial reduces pollution but fails to induce rain
Delhi conducted cloud seeding trials on October 28 in collaboration with IIT Kanpur to induce artificial rain and reduce pollution. Despite no rainfall due to low atmospheric moisture, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels decreased by 6-10%. Experts caution that cloud seeding is a temporary solution and emphasize the need for long-term pollution control strategies.
After a 53-year gap, Delhi undertook cloud seeding trials on October 28 using Cessna aircraft to release silver iodide and sodium chloride flares across several areas to induce artificial rainfall amid rising pollution. Despite no rain in Delhi due to low cloud humidity (15-20%), light rain occurred in nearby Noida and Greater Noida. The trials led to a modest reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels by 6 to 10 percent across monitored locations. The trials covered a corridor about 25 nautical miles long and included several strategic points, with plans for more exercises ahead. Environmentalists and experts have labeled cloud seeding a short-term relief measure that does not address root pollution causes, especially since pollutants also come from neighboring states. The process depends heavily on suitable atmospheric moisture, ideally about 50%, which was lacking. The Delhi government and IIT Kanpur plan to use the data to design a long-term pollution control plan if trials prove successful. The Air Quality Index (AQI) improved slightly but remained in the 'poor' category. Political and environmental critiques highlight cloud seeding as insufficient alone and reinforce the need for grassroots solutions and regional cooperation to combat persistent air pollution.
