Arvind Kejriwal’s government is exploring a game-changing strategy—cloud seeding, also known as artificial rain. This innovative approach could be the key to breaking the grip of severe pollution and bringing a breath of fresh air to the city. The initiative comes in response to the city’s persistently ‘severe’ air quality, exacerbated by crop residue burning in neighboring states and local factors such as vehicular emissions.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai and Finance Minister Atishi recently convened a crucial meeting with a team from IIT Kanpur. The team proposed that a spell of artificial rain could offer much-needed relief amid the ongoing air emergency. Following this meeting, Gopal Rai has called for a larger assembly of all Delhi ministers to discuss urgent measures to address the alarming air pollution issue.

Delhi government has sought a comprehensive plan from the IIT team, intending to present it to the Supreme Court on Friday. The court is currently reviewing petitions urging immediate actions to tackle Delhi’s hazardous air quality. Pending Supreme Court approval, both the Delhi government and the central government are poised to implement the proposed plan swiftly.

What exactly is artificial rain, and in what ways can it be beneficial?

Artificial rain, scientifically known as cloud seeding, is a weather modification technique designed to stimulate precipitation. In the case of Delhi, this involves introducing substances like silver iodide or potassium iodide into clouds, typically using aircraft or helicopters. Cloud seeding’s effectiveness hinges on particular meteorological conditions, including the existence of moisture-laden clouds and favorable wind patterns.

Scheduled for November 20-21, the proposed artificial rain aims to alleviate Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) concerns. If the skies remain overcast during this period, the government could witness the implementation of this innovative approach.

This weather modification method has broader applications, typically utilized to enhance rainfall in targeted regions or mitigate drought conditions. The process aligns with agricultural, environmental, and water resource management objectives.

Delhi’s Ongoing Battle with Air Pollution

Delhi’s residents have been grappling with the adverse effects of air pollution, with medical experts equating breathing the polluted air to smoking approximately 10 cigarettes a day. To address this health crisis, the government has implemented measures such as the odd-even vehicle scheme, temporary closure of schools for in-person classes, and adherence to Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). However, experts caution that the situation may worsen during Diwali due to the potential use of firecrackers.

Recent Developments and Weather

Forecast

In a recent development, several parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and surrounding areas of the National Capital Region received light rainfall. The Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) predicts intermittent light rainfall over various places, offering a much-needed respite from the toxic air quality in the NCR.

Areas expected to receive rainfall include parts of Delhi and NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This timely intervention aligns with the government’s efforts to mitigate the immediate impacts of air pollution while simultaneously exploring innovative solutions such as artificial rain.