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Context:
Amid rising pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi Government, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, conducted cloud-seeding trials to induce artificial rain and reduce air pollution.
Cloud Seeding in India
- Cloud seeding is an artificial weather modification technique aimed at enhancing rainfall by dispersing substances into clouds to encourage precipitation.
- India has been experimenting with cloud seeding for drought-prone areas, water-scarce regions, and agricultural enhancement.
Key Features:
- Technology & Method:
- Silver iodide or sodium chloride (salt) particles are dispersed into clouds using aircraft, drones, or ground-based generators.
- Particles act as nuclei for water condensation, promoting rain formation.
- Outcomes & Challenges:
- Mixed results: Some trials report modest increases in precipitation, others inconclusive.
- Difficult to quantify the exact impact, as natural rainfall patterns fluctuate.
- Environmental concerns: Potential impact of chemical agents on soil, water, and ecosystems.
- Cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability remain debated.
- Policy Perspective:
- Cloud seeding is seen as a supplementary measure to tackle water scarcity.
- Not a replacement for comprehensive water management, including groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation.
- India may scale cloud-seeding trials, but with caution and scientific monitoring.
Key Terms
- PM2.5/PM10: Airborne particulate pollutants harmful to health.
- GRAP: Graded Response Action Plan, Delhi’s emergency air pollution management framework.