As Delhi grapples with deteriorating air quality, the government has executed two cloud seeding flights, a sophisticated weather modification technique aimed at inducing rain. These operations, spearheaded by a team from IIT Kanpur, were launched after the capital city recorded alarmingly high AQI levels.
The cloud seeding process involves dispersing specific particles, such as silver iodide or sodium chloride, into clouds using specialized aircraft. The flights originated from Kanpur and Meerut, covering various Delhi districts and surrounding regions. During each of the 1.5-hour sorties, eight 0.5 kg flares were released, dispersing a scientifically formulated mixture to boost precipitation potential. The humidity in the targeted clouds was noted to be between 15-20%, which, while less than ideal, was considered adequate for the experimental trial.
Preliminary data analysis from 20 monitoring sites across the city revealed a noticeable, albeit minor, reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels. At Mayur Vihar, PM2.5 levels dropped from 221 ug/m³ to 207 ug/m³, and PM10 decreased from 207 ug/m³ to 177 ug/m³. Similar downward trends were observed in Karol Bagh and Burari. These improvements are primarily credited to the cloud seeding particles and the increased moisture within the clouds, amplified by low wind speeds.
However, the primary objective of significant rainfall remains unfulfilled. Experts attribute this to the inadequate moisture content in the existing cloud formations. While the tests have yielded valuable insights and increased confidence in the methodology, the probability of triggering substantial rain was limited. The government has confirmed plans for at least two more flights on Wednesday and has announced a third round of cloud seeding, signaling a persistent strategy to leverage artificial rain technology for air quality improvement.