Delhi Minister Sirsa Defends Cloud Seeding Trials, Reveals Costs Amid AAP Criticism
Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa explained that recent cloud seeding trials failed due to insufficient atmospheric moisture, with costs around ₹30-35 lakh per trial. Despite setbacks, the government remains committed to the project, collaborating with IIT Kanpur on improved methods. The Aam Aadmi Party criticized the trials as a waste of public money.
Delhi's recent attempts at artificial rainfall via cloud seeding, undertaken jointly by the Delhi government and IIT Kanpur, did not yield the expected results primarily because of low humidity levels, with only 15% moisture present while at least 50% is needed. Each cloud seeding operation costs approximately ₹30 to ₹35 lakh, culminating in nearly ₹3 crore for 9-10 trials planned. Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted that although the early experiments failed, IIT Kanpur researchers have developed a new chemical mixture aimed at enabling seeding even in drier conditions. The project aims to combat Delhi's worsening air pollution, marking a first for the capital in collaboration with scientific institutions. The Indian Meteorological Department predicted a rise in humidity, allowing for subsequent trials. Despite criticism from Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, who labeled the initiative a misuse of taxpayers' money, Sirsa defended the government’s efforts, noting that the previous administration did not initiate such trials despite years of discussion. The government maintains its commitment to continue cloud seeding trials and pollution control measures, seeing the experiment as part of a broader environmental strategy. Cloud seeding is a recognized technique globally used to induce rain but depends heavily on atmospheric conditions and cannot replace core pollution reduction policies.
