To tackle the high air pollution in Delhi, the government is thinking about using cloud seeding to make fake rain this month. On November 8, Environment Minister Gopal Rai talked with a team from IIT Kanpur to explore if artificial rainfall could help. After the meeting, Rai said that if the sky stays cloudy on November 20-21, they might try making artificial rain in Delhi. This new idea is meant to deal with the worries about the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city.
What Do We Understand From Artificial Rain?
Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a process where certain substances are introduced into clouds to encourage the formation of raindrops. Typically, silver iodide or other chemicals are dispersed into the atmosphere. These substances act as nuclei around which water droplets can condense, leading to the formation of larger raindrops.
This process mimics the natural cloud formation mechanism and aims to enhance precipitation in areas experiencing water scarcity. While it’s a fascinating technique, its effectiveness is subject to various factors, and ongoing research continues to explore its potential impact on weather patterns and water resources.
How Artificial Rain Can Be Used To Remove Pollution?
Artificial rain, or cloud seeding, does not directly address pollution concerns. Its primary purpose is to enhance precipitation and increase water availability in areas facing water scarcity. However, there is an indirect connection between artificial rain and pollution mitigation.
Rain can help in removing particulate matter and pollutants from the atmosphere. As raindrops form, they capture particles and pollutants present in the air, effectively cleansing the atmosphere. This natural cleansing process is part of the water cycle and contributes to improved air quality. Therefore, while artificial rain itself is not a pollution control method, the increased rainfall resulting from cloud seeding can indirectly assist in removing pollutants from the air and reducing pollution levels in a given area.
Real Rain, When Planning For Artificial Rain?
Just when the government in Delhi is thinking about making artificial rain on November 20-21, the city got some real rain. Different parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and nearby areas got light rainfall on Thursday night and Friday.
#WATCH | Delhi: Rain lashes several parts of the national capital; visuals from Chirag Delhi pic.twitter.com/FZyQyMTKXz
— ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2023
This brought some relief from the unhealthy air quality in the National Capital Region. The city was blessed with showers while the government plans to use cloud seeding for artificial rain to deal with the serious air pollution. The Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) predicted more light rain in various places around Delhi and NCR, offering a hopeful break from the pollution.
What Is Weather Forecast For Upcoming Days In Delhi?
The weather forecast also mentioned that places like Garhmukteshwar, Pilakhua, Hapur, Gulaoti, Siyana, Bulandshahar, Jahangirabad, Anupshahar, Shikarpur, Khurja, Pahasu, Debai, Narora, Gabhana, Jattari, Khair, Nandgaon, and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh may experience light showers. Additionally, areas like Bhiwari, Khairthal, Alwar, Viratnagar, Nagar, Deeg, Laxmangarh, and Rajgarh in Rajasthan are also expected to receive light rain during the same period. This rainfall forecast for various regions brings hope for improved air quality and relief from prevailing environmental concerns.
Pollution level today In Delhi
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi’s Anand Vihar was 462, classified as ‘severe.’ However, there was an improvement as it shifted to the ‘moderate’ category on Friday morning. This change in the AQI indicates a positive development in air quality, bringing some relief from the severe pollution levels in the Anand Vihar area. Monitoring and reporting AQI is crucial for assessing and addressing the impact of air pollution on public health and the environment.
AAP Ministers Have Taken Tour Of Delhi Borders
At the same time, the Delhi government is taking action to enforce anti-pollution measures. Ministers from the government were observed inspecting various areas and borders connecting Delhi to neighboring states on Thursday. To address the worsening air quality, the city has activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), indicating a severe level of pollution.
This concerted effort by the government, involving inspections and the implementation of anti-pollution measures, reflects a commitment to addressing the urgent environmental challenges faced by the national capital.
Some Serious Action Like, app based cabs banned, Winter break in Delhi schools
The government has made changes to the winter break schedule for schools, moving it to November 9-18. Delhi’s environment minister, Gopal Rai, announced the ban on app-based taxis entering the city following Supreme Court orders. The odd-even car-rationing scheme will be implemented pending a court review of its effectiveness, with the next hearing scheduled for Friday.
The Supreme Court has questioned the scheme’s impact on curbing vehicular pollution, calling it “all optics.” In anticipation of worsening air quality after Diwali, Rai declared the scheme would be in effect from November 13-20. The Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts “very poor” to “severe” air quality for the next five to six days.
What Will be The Cost Of Artificial Rain?
To combat hazardous air pollution in Delhi, the city government has taken the decision to cover the entire cost of artificial rain. The chief secretary has been directed to communicate this decision to the Supreme Court on Friday.
Pending the Centre’s support, the Delhi government aims to initiate the first phase of artificial rain by November 20. The decision, based on advice from an IIT-Kanpur team, involves bearing the costs of Phase 1 and Phase 2 pilots, amounting to ₹13 crore. Arvind Kejriwal’s government is planning to use cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain as a measure to address air pollution in the city.
Also Read: WHAT AND WHY ODD EVEN RULE IMPOSED IN DELHI?
