Delhi Conducts Cloud Seeding Trial to Mitigate Air Pollution
Delhi, facing severe air pollution, launched a cloud seeding trial led by IIT Kanpur to induce artificial rain and temporarily clear pollutants. On October 28, aircraft dispersed chemicals like silver iodide and salt over targeted areas, aiming to trigger rainfall between October 28–30. While the method can wash away harmful particles, experts caution it offers only short-term relief and may pose mild health risks for sensitive individuals.
Delhi is undertaking an experimental cloud seeding operation—a collaboration between the government and IIT Kanpur—to address its hazardous air pollution crisis. The trial, conducted from October 28 to 30, involves aircraft releasing substances such as silver iodide and salt-based compounds into moisture-laden clouds to stimulate artificial rainfall. This process, known as cloud seeding, encourages cloud droplets to coalesce into larger raindrops, which then fall as rain, potentially washing away pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 from the atmosphere. The goal is to provide temporary relief by reducing the concentration of harmful particles that contribute to Delhi’s notorious smog. Officials confirm that preparations are complete following a successful test run in the Burari area, with favorable cloud conditions expected later in the week. However, experts point out that cloud seeding is experimental and its effectiveness can be limited by atmospheric conditions, such as insufficient moisture. While the chemicals used are generally safe in trace amounts, there is a possibility of mild respiratory or skin irritation, particularly for individuals with asthma or chronic lung conditions. The initiative represents a significant step in Delhi’s efforts to combat air pollution, but it is recognized as a short-term measure rather than a long-term solution. The broader scientific community remains skeptical about the scalability and sustainability of such interventions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive pollution control strategies alongside experimental methods.
