In a first major move this season to tackle air pollution, the Delhi cloud seeding trial was conducted on Tuesday, October 28, to induce artificial rain and improve the city’s air quality. The operation, carried out using a Cessna aircraft, targeted areas such as North Karol Bagh, Khekra, Mayur Vihar, and Sadikpur zones with suitable cloud formations for the experiment.
Officials said rainfall could occur within 15 minutes to four hours after seeding, depending on atmospheric conditions. The trial, initially planned for Wednesday, was advanced due to favourable cloud presence. Authorities confirmed that similar Delhi cloud seeding trials will continue for several days, subject to weather conditions.
The initiative aims to provide short-term relief from the city’s deteriorating air quality by washing down pollutants suspended in the air a much-needed step as Delhi’s AQI continues to worsen.
How Cloud Seeding Works
Explaining the process, former IMD Deputy Director-General KJ Ramesh said, “Rain is a natural process where water vapour condenses into droplets and falls to the ground. In cloud seeding, we use chemicals like silver iodide to speed up droplet formation.”
He clarified that the Delhi cloud seeding trial does not involve sending water into the sky. “Clouds already have moisture. We simply provide the nuclei needed for condensation,” Ramesh explained. He also dismissed myths that artificial rain can be created in clear skies seeding only works if clouds are already present with sufficient moisture.
Is Artificial Rain Safe?
Experts assured that artificial rain poses no health risks. The amount of silver iodide used is minimal and has not shown any harmful impact. Previous cloud seeding operations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu increased rainfall by 15–20%, according to official data.
However, experts note that rain induced in one region might slightly reduce moisture in adjacent areas but the effect is negligible. Delhi officials remain hopeful that the rains, natural or artificial, will bring temporary relief by settling dust and reducing particulate matter in the air.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Delhi cloud seeding trial about?
A: The Delhi cloud seeding trial aims to create artificial rain to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.
Q2: How does cloud seeding work?
A: It uses tiny particles like silver iodide to help water droplets form in clouds, speeding up rainfall.
Q3: Is artificial rain harmful?
A: No, the small amounts of silver iodide used in the Delhi cloud seeding trial are safe for humans and the environment.
Q4: Can artificial rain be made without clouds?
A: No, cloud seeding only works when clouds with enough moisture already exist in the atmosphere.
