A Bold Move Against Pollution: Delhi Approves Cloud-Seeding Trials
In a decisive step toward combating Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis, the city’s cabinet, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has greenlit a proposal for five cloud-seeding trials. Spearheaded by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the initiative is part of a multi-pronged strategy that complements the government’s use of AI-based monitoring and 24×7 surveillance at major pollution hotspots. The trials, with a budget of ₹3.21 crore, aim to test whether artificially induced rainfall can help settle particulate matter and clean the air during peak pollution periods.

Science Meets Policy: IIT-Kanpur to Oversee the Trials
The responsibility for implementing this ambitious project rests with IIT-Kanpur, a leading institution in atmospheric sciences. From aircraft deployment to chemical dispersal, IIT-Kanpur will handle all aspects of the operations. The funding, which includes ₹2.75 crore for the trials and ₹66 lakh for setup and logistics, will be transferred directly to the institute. The trials are expected to begin by the end of May or in early June, subject to regulatory clearances. This marks a rare instance of advanced weather engineering being employed for urban environmental management in India.

What is Cloud-Seeding and Why It Matters Now
Cloud-seeding involves injecting substances like silver iodide or sodium chloride into clouds to encourage precipitation. While the concept has existed for decades, its application in urban environments to combat pollution is still emerging. Delhi, known for its hazardous winter smog, sees this trial as a contingency tool to induce rainfall that could naturally bring down airborne toxins. The initial trial will cover around 100 square kilometres on the city’s outskirts and will be closely studied for both efficacy and environmental impact.

Navigating Red Tape: Clearances from 13 Departments
Before the trials can take off, the Delhi government must secure no-objection certificates (NOCs) from 13 key departments. These include the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the defence ministry, the environment ministry, and the Airports Authority of India. Coordinating this array of permissions is crucial to ensure that the cloud-seeding operations don’t interfere with national security or air traffic. The proactive approach by the Delhi administration reflects its commitment to environmental innovation despite bureaucratic challenges.

Looking Ahead: Rain as a Weapon Against Air Crisis
If successful, Delhi’s cloud-seeding initiative could become a model for other Indian cities battling worsening air quality. Minister Sirsa emphasized that while cloud-seeding is not a long-term solution, it provides an emergency mechanism during critical pollution spikes. As the national capital explores this scientific frontier, the trials represent a significant fusion of technology, policy, and environmental urgency. A comprehensive scientific review post-trials will determine if rainmaking can indeed become part of Delhi’s pollution-fighting toolkit.

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Source – ndtv.com