IIT Kanpur has started cloud seeding operations to create artificial rainfall over the National Capital Region in an effort to address Delhi's deteriorating air quality. The goal of the ambitious effort is to temporarily alleviate the heavy pollution that has covered the city in recent weeks.
To start the operation, a specialised aircraft carrying instrumentation and silver iodide flares has already taken out for Delhi. In cooperation with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and other organisations, the team, headed by specialists from IIT Kanpur, is keeping an eye on atmospheric conditions to identify the best window for precipitation.
Cloud seeding is a technique where chemicals are dispersed into moisture-laden clouds to encourage precipitation. While the method has been tested in other parts of India before, this marks one of the most significant attempts in an urban pollution control context.
Officials claim that the project is both a scientific investigation and an emergency response. If successful, artificial rain could assist in removing pollutants and particle matter, lowering the city's dangerous Air Quality Index (AQI) values.
Experts believe it could provide a much-needed breather and valuable insights for future atmospheric interventions. For now, Delhiites are keeping their hopes high — and their eyes on the clouds.
