Delhi Set to Experience Its First Artificial Rain Through Cloud Seeding on October 29

Delhi is preparing for its inaugural artificial rain through cloud seeding, following a successful trial in Burari. This innovative approach aims to tackle air pollution and improve environmental conditions in the city.

Delhi is on the brink of experiencing its first artificial rain through cloud seeding, as announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Preparations for this pollution-control initiative are now complete. A successful trial was conducted in the Burari area, marking a significant step in Delhi's efforts to combat air pollution. Gupta shared this development on X, highlighting the technological milestone.

During the Burari trial, small quantities of silver iodide and sodium chloride were released from an aircraft. However, the moisture level was below 20%, insufficient for rainfall. Cloud seeding typically requires about 50% moisture. The trial served as a proving mission to assess the readiness of the equipment and coordination among agencies involved.

Cloud Seeding Project Details

The project, a collaboration between IIT-Kanpur and the Delhi government, aims to reduce particulate pollution post-Diwali. Originally planned for July 4, it faced delays due to weather conditions. Last month, an MoU was signed with IIT-Kanpur for five trials in northwest Delhi. The project has received approval from 23 departments, including the DGCA.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa expressed gratitude to Gupta and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their support. He noted that a trial flight was conducted from IIT Kanpur via several locations, including Khekra and Burari, where cloud-seeding flares were fired using pyrotechnics.

Technical Aspects and Approvals

The IIT-Kanpur report stated that no precipitation occurred due to minimal cloud cover and moisture below 15%. The project is authorised under rule 262 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, allowing IIT-Kanpur's Department of Aerospace Engineering to use a Cessna 206-H aircraft for operations. The activity will follow strict safety guidelines and visual flight rules.

The Delhi Cabinet approved five cloud-seeding trials on May 7 at a cost of Rs 3.21 crore. However, unfavourable weather and monsoon delays pushed deadlines from May-end to October. The operations are scheduled between October 1 and November 30, pending clearances from state and local authorities.

Future Prospects

If weather conditions remain favourable on October 28-30, Delhi could witness its first artificial rain on October 29. This initiative not only represents a technological advancement but also introduces a scientific approach to tackling pollution in the capital. The government aims to improve air quality and environmental balance through this innovation.

With inputs from PTI