IIT Kanpur scientists conduct cloud seeding operations over Delhi skies to create artificial rain and reduce hazardous air pollution (Photo: File)
Delhi’s annual battle with smog has pushed scientists to explore unconventional ways to clear the city’s toxic skies. On Tuesday, parts of the national capital witnessed cloud seeding is a weather modification experiment aimed at triggering artificial rain to wash away pollutants.
Leading this operation is the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), whose researchers are working to adapt the technology to India’s unique weather conditions.
Cloud seeding is a scientific method to stimulate rainfall by releasing some chemicals into clouds. The objective is straightforward: increase precipitation and provide temporary relief from pollution and drought. Cloud seeding does not build clouds from zero but initiates rain from existing clouds that are already full of moisture.
The process consists of seeding clouds with chemicals like silver iodide or sodium chloride (table salt) with airplanes, rockets or ground generators. They serve as nuclei small particles upon which water droplets may condense.
ALSO READ: Delhi Awaits Artificial Rain After First Cloud-Seeding Trial Amid Toxic Smog
As water condenses on the particles, the droplets enlarge until they are heavy enough to fall as rain with the success lies in the appropriate weather conditions. Without the presence of moisture-laden clouds, even the latest seeding methods have minimal impact.
IIT Kanpur have been pivotal in developing cloud seeding for India's varied climate. Scientists have created specific formulations that are appropriate for Indian monsoon and post-monsoon regimes to ensure efficiency and environment safety.
Their activity involves developing precision atomizers that release seeding chemicals via specially outfitted aircraft. Real-time weather monitoring and simulation models allow them to identify optimal cloud targets and predict rainfall regimes, optimizing the process's effectiveness while reducing costs.
Delhi’s air quality routinely dips into hazardous levels during winter, driven by vehicle emissions, stubble burning and stagnant weather. To counter this, IIT scientists conducted the recent cloud seeding operation across several areas of the city, aiming to trigger rainfall that could wash down fine particulate matter.
Although the long-term results are still being analyzed, initial data indicates that even light showers can temporarily reduce pollution levels and improve visibility.
Cloud seeding has been termed a stopgap measure by experts, rather than a solution of artificial rain will enable airborne particles to settle and briefly reduce the Air Quality Index (AQI), but pollution levels are likely to recover with speed. The procedure also relies heavily on cloud moisture and good weather, both of which are unreliable.
Researchers at IIT Delhi and green agencies caution that cloud seeding must supplement and not substitute for profound changes like emission control, cleaner fuels and inter-regional cooperation.
The main substances employed are sodium chloride and silver iodide. Silver iodide is suitable for cold clouds as it replicates the behavior of ice crystals whereas sodium chloride performs better in warm clouds. These chemicals are measured with precision so that they don't damage the environment but still maximize rainfall possibilities.
Although cloud seeding provides short-term remedy is actually its refinement and judicious application that hold promise. With ongoing IIT research and innovation, India can soon have an efficient means of controlling pollution and water scarcity.
But experts find universal agreement that cleaner energy, sustainable transport and tougher emissions regulations are the foundation of long-term air quality improvement.
ALSO READ: Fact Check: Did Barack Obama Really Spend $376 Million on the White House Basketball Court?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not offer scientific, environmental or policy recommendations.
