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Will Delhi Witness Its First Artificial Rain Today? Cloud Seeding Aircraft En-Route from Kanpur News24 –

National
By Correspondent


In a bid to seek relief from the high AQI levels in the national capital, Delhi may witness its first-ever artificial rain today, as the aircraft initiating the cloud seeding operation has taken off from Kanpur.

In the morning, Manjinder Singh Sirsa pointed out that the much-awaited cloud seeding experiment could be carried out today, provided the weather conditions in Kanpur remain favorable for the aircraft’s flight.

When Will Delhi Witness Rain?

Sirsa explained that the aircraft would take off from Kanpur once visibility improves. Addressing the possibility of artificial rain, Manjinder Singh said:

“Right now, visibility in Kanpur is about 2,000 metres. We need it to reach at least 5,000 metres for the plane to fly safely,” he said. “If that happens by around 12:30 to 1 p.m., the plane will fly to Delhi, conduct the operation, and return.”

What Exactly Is Cloud Seeding?

Cloud seeding is a scientific process used to artificially induce rainfall. It involves introducing substances such as silver iodide, rock salt, or dry ice into clouds through airborne sprays. These substances act as catalysts, enhancing the clouds’ ability to form water droplets. Once the droplets become heavy enough, rainfall ensues.

To ensure controlled exposure to rainfall, scientists from IIT Kanpur have developed a special mix that will be sprayed over existing clouds. This mix includes silver iodide nanoparticles and iodised salt. The formulation is designed to encourage the formation of vapour and rain.

Why is it necessary?

The significant drop in the Air Quality Index (AQI) has led the government to seek ways to reduce pollutants in the air. Over time, this method has proven to be a reliable means of settling and reducing airborne pollutants. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s AQI this morning stood at 306, which falls under the “very poor” category. In some areas like Siri Fort and Burari, it even crossed 350.

The Delhi government had earlier signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur on 15th September to conduct five such trials, all planned for northwest Delhi. The plan had faced multiple delays since May due to poor weather conditions and the monsoon season. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has already cleared the trials to be conducted anytime between 1st October and 30th November.

If all goes as planned, Delhi could witness its first-ever artificial rainfall by this afternoon.




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