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Explained: What Is Cloud Seeding, Why Is Delhi Spending Over Rs 3 Crore On It
Explained: What Is Cloud Seeding, Why Is Delhi Spending Over Rs 3 Crore On It

NDTV

time3 days ago

  • Climate
  • NDTV

Explained: What Is Cloud Seeding, Why Is Delhi Spending Over Rs 3 Crore On It

New Delhi: Delhi is set to launch its first-ever cloud seeding trial from July 4 to 11 to combat its persistent air pollution through artificial rain. Announced by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the Rs 3.21 crore project will deploy modified Cessna aircraft to disperse a scientifically formulated mix of silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt into moisture-laden clouds over northwest and outer Delhi, with the aim of triggering rainfall and cleansing the air. Coordinated by IIT Kanpur and IMD Pune, the operation is a historic first for the capital and will cover 100 sq km in each of the five 90-minute sorties. What Is Cloud Seeding? Cloud seeding is used to make it rain or snow by adding special substances such as silver iodide or salt to clouds. It can be done using airplanes, rockets, or machines on the ground. Cloud seeding is used in many countries (China, US, UAE) to help with droughts, increase snowfall, reduce hail, clear fog, or improve air quality. It usually works only when there are already clouds in the sky and can increase rainfall by about 5-15 per cent. How Cloud Seeding Works Cloud seeding works by adding certain substances into clouds to encourage the formation of raindrops or snowflakes. These substances, like silver iodide, potassium iodide, dry ice, or salt, act as "nuclei" that attract water vapour. When water vapour gathers around these particles, it condenses into larger droplets or ice crystals. Once these droplets or crystals become heavy enough, they fall to the ground as rain or snow. There are two main types of cloud seeding: cold cloud seeding, where silver iodide helps ice crystals form in supercooled clouds (below 0 degrees Celsius), and warm cloud seeding, where salt particles help small droplets combine into larger raindrops. Is Cloud Seeding Effective? Cloud seeding is generally considered moderately effective, with studies and real-world programmes showing it can increase rainfall or snowfall by about 5-15 per cent under the right conditions. In places like the western United States and Australia, cloud seeding has been used successfully to boost snowpack and water supply, with some projects reporting gains of up to 14 per cent. Results vary depending on the method, weather conditions, and region. For example, in India, a pilot project saw only a 3 per cent increase in rainfall. The technique works only if suitable clouds already exist and is most effective in moisture-rich or supercooled cloud systems.

What is cloud seeding?: Delhi to see its first-ever artificial rain to combat air pollution in July - all you need to know
What is cloud seeding?: Delhi to see its first-ever artificial rain to combat air pollution in July - all you need to know

Time of India

time3 days ago

  • Climate
  • Time of India

What is cloud seeding?: Delhi to see its first-ever artificial rain to combat air pollution in July - all you need to know

NEW DELHI: In a innovative step to tackle Delhi's choking air pollution, the national capital is set to witness artificial rain for the first time. The cloud seeding operation, aimed at clearing the toxic air, was announced by environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. If weather conditions permit, the rain-making experiment will take place between July 4 and 11, marking a significant shift in how the city addresses its environmental crisis. Sirsa said that IIT Kanpur has submitted the flight plan for the operation to IMD Pune for technical coordination. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi "Conditions are not suitable for cloud seeding until July 3, but a flight window has been proposed between July 4 and 11," Sirsa said. Additionally, a proposal has been sent to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), seeking an alternative time window in case of unfavorable weather during the proposed dates, ensuring the trial can still take place at a later stage. "This initiative marks a historic step in urban pollution control and is being carried out for the first time by the Environment Department under chief minister Rekha Gupta's leadership," Sirsa said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Soluções confiáveis para centros de dados IA Siemens Energy Saiba Mais Undo "Our aim is to give Delhiites clean air," he emphasised, asserting that it's the most basic right of every resident, and the government is exploring every possible solution to achieve it. "That's why we're taking this bold step of artificial rain. We are hopeful it will bring meaningful change," he added. What is cloud seeding and How is IIT-Kanpur involved in this project? Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to stimulate artificial rainfall. It works by dispersing specific chemicals into moisture-laden clouds, encouraging the formation of water droplets heavy enough to fall as rain. Commonly used agents include silver iodide (AgI), iodised salt, and rock salt, which help accelerate droplet formation by acting as condensation nuclei. The project, titled "Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation," is being spearheaded by IIT Kanpur. Here's how the institute is contributing: Formulation development: IIT Kanpur developed a special seeding formulation using silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt designed to catalyse rainfall in clouds rich with moisture. Aircraft operations: The experiment will use modified Cessna aircraft equipped with flare-based systems to disperse the seeding mixture. Each aircraft sortie will last approximately 90 minutes, covering 100 sq km of airspace, particularly over northwest and outer Delhi. Execution of trials: IIT Kanpur scientists will carry out at least five sorties in low-security air zones. They had previously tested this technique using a mist-sprinkler system aboard their own aircraft. Ideal cloud type: The most suitable cloud type for seeding is the nimbostratus, which typically forms between 500 to 6,000 meters above ground. These clouds offer ideal conditions for artificial rain. Success rate: Based on global studies and IIT Kanpur's past trials, the expected success rate of inducing rain via cloud seeding is around 60–70%. The project aims to reduce pollution levels in Delhi by increasing rainfall during a window of favourable weather between July 4 and 11, 2025.

Delhi To See Its First-Ever Artificial Rain To Combat Air Pollution In July
Delhi To See Its First-Ever Artificial Rain To Combat Air Pollution In July

NDTV

time4 days ago

  • Politics
  • NDTV

Delhi To See Its First-Ever Artificial Rain To Combat Air Pollution In July

New Delhi: In a first for the national capital, Delhi is set to witness artificial rain aimed at reducing air pollution, with cloud seeding scheduled between July 4 and 11, subject to weather conditions, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Saturday. The flight plan for the seeding operation has been submitted by IIT Kanpur to IMD Pune for technical coordination, Sirsa told PTI. "Conditions are not suitable for cloud seeding until July 3, but a flight window has been proposed between July 4 and 11," Sirsa said. He added that a proposal has also been sent to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), requesting an alternative window in case the weather remains unfavourable during the scheduled period so that the trial can be conducted at a later date. "This initiative marks a historic step in urban pollution control and is being carried out for the first time by the Environment Department under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's leadership," Sirsa said. "Our aim is to give Delhiites clean air," he emphasised, asserting that it's the most basic right of every resident, and the government is exploring every possible solution to achieve it. "That's why we're taking this bold step of artificial rain. We are hopeful it will bring meaningful change," he added. In response to the accusations from AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday, who claimed that the BJP and the Centre hindered the city's pollution-control efforts and mocked the proposal for artificial rain during peak winter pollution, Sirsa clarified, "We were the ones who signed the MoU first, made all the payments to IIT Kanpur, and applied for the necessary approvals because we want to take real action." "They didn't do anything except talk about artificial rain. We, on the other hand, have worked sincerely. That's why, within just four months of forming the government, we are at the stage of finalising the date for Delhi's first artificial rain," he added. The project, titled 'Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation,' will involve five aircraft sorties over low-security air zones in northwest and outer Delhi. Each sortie, lasting around 90 minutes, will cover approximately 100 square kilometres, dispersing a scientifically formulated seeding mixture using flare-based systems on modified Cessna aircraft. The formulation, developed by IIT Kanpur, includes silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt, designed to catalyse artificial rain by accelerating droplet formation in moisture-rich clouds.

Delhi to see its first-ever artificial rain to combat air pollution in July
Delhi to see its first-ever artificial rain to combat air pollution in July

Time of India

time4 days ago

  • Politics
  • Time of India

Delhi to see its first-ever artificial rain to combat air pollution in July

In a first for the national capital, Delhi is set to witness artificial rain aimed at reducing air pollution, with cloud seeding scheduled between July 4 and 11, subject to weather conditions, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Saturday. The flight plan for the seeding operation has been submitted by IIT Kanpur to IMD Pune for technical coordination, Sirsa told PTI. "Conditions are not suitable for cloud seeding until July 3, but a flight window has been proposed between July 4 and 11," Sirsa said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now He added that a proposal has also been sent to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), requesting an alternative window in case the weather remains unfavourable during the scheduled period so that the trial can be conducted at a later date. "This initiative marks a historic step in urban pollution control and is being carried out for the first time by the Environment Department under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's leadership," Sirsa said. Live Events "Our aim is to give Delhiites clean air," he emphasised, asserting that it's the most basic right of every resident, and the government is exploring every possible solution to achieve it. "That's why we're taking this bold step of artificial rain. We are hopeful it will bring meaningful change," he added. In response to the accusations from AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday, who claimed that the BJP and the Centre hindered the city's pollution-control efforts and mocked the proposal for artificial rain during peak winter pollution, Sirsa clarified, "We were the ones who signed the MoU first, made all the payments to IIT Kanpur, and applied for the necessary approvals because we want to take real action." "They didn't do anything except talk about artificial rain. We, on the other hand, have worked sincerely. That's why, within just four months of forming the government, we are at the stage of finalising the date for Delhi's first artificial rain," he added. The project, titled 'Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation,' will involve five aircraft sorties over low-security air zones in northwest and outer Delhi. Each sortie, lasting around 90 minutes, will cover approximately 100 square kilometres, dispersing a scientifically formulated seeding mixture using flare-based systems on modified Cessna aircraft. The formulation, developed by IIT Kanpur, includes silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt, designed to catalyse artificial rain by accelerating droplet formation in moisture-rich clouds.

Maha set for monsoon revival from June 13: IMD
Maha set for monsoon revival from June 13: IMD

Hindustan Times

time10-06-2025

  • Climate
  • Hindustan Times

Maha set for monsoon revival from June 13: IMD

After a brief dry spell following the early onset of the southwest monsoon, Maharashtra is now poised to receive widespread rainfall beginning June 13 with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a monsoon revival. Weather experts attribute the expected increase in rainfall activity to the development of weather systems over the Bay of Bengal and strengthening of westerly winds from the Arabian Sea. The southwest monsoon arrived unusually early in Maharashtra on May 25 - 14 days ahead of its normal onset—and covered nearly 45% of the state including major cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Ahilya Nagar within 24 hours. After this swift progression however, the monsoon stalled on May 27, leading to a dry spell across several areas. The unexpected pause left farmers uncertain about the time to sow the Kharif crop. Now after a two-week hiatus, the IMD has indicated that conditions favourable for the monsoon to regain momentum are developing. The revival is expected to bring much-needed rainfall across the state, helping relieve agricultural concerns and water stress in many areas. According to the IMD's latest forecast issued on June 10, a yellow alert for light to moderate rainfall has been issued for at least 28 districts on June 11. On June 12, all but three districts in the state have been placed under a similar alert. Meanwhile on June 12 and June 13, an orange alert has been issued for southern Maharashtra, particularly the districts of Sindhudurg and Kolhapur, in anticipation of heavy rainfall. The alert has been extended to Satara, Pune, Ratnagiri, and Raigad on June 14, with heavy rainfall expected to intensify in these regions. Most other areas in the state, excluding extreme northern districts, are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall during this time. The likelihood of continued rainfall in the coming weeks appears strong. Many global weather models and weather experts based in Pune suggest that Maharashtra is likely to experience good rainfall during the second half of June. Commenting on the monsoon revival, Anupam Kashyapi, former head of the weather and forecasting division at IMD Pune, said that an upper air circulation is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal around June 12. This system will contribute to the monsoon's revival by enhancing the strength of westerly winds from the Arabian Sea. Kashyapi further noted that a second system is likely to form in the Bay of Bengal around June 18, slightly further north. While the first system is expected to primarily benefit the southern parts of the country, including southern Maharashtra, the second system will likely increase rainfall across the northern, eastern, and central parts of the state. Additionally, the strengthening westerlies will continue to bring rainfall to Maharashtra's coastal regions. Kashyapi expressed confidence in a favourable rainfall pattern during the second half of June; a sentiment echoed by another weather scientist who cited the World Meteorological Organisation's sub-seasonal forecast. The forecast, compiled from multiple leading global weather centres, suggests that the monsoon will remain active throughout the latter part of the month. With these developments, Maharashtra looks set for a crucial revival of monsoon activity, bringing much-needed relief to farmers and boosting hopes for a successful Kharif season. Meanwhile in Pune, cloudy weather can be experienced with chances of thunder and rainfall. S D Sanap, senior meteorologist from IMD Pune, said, 'The city is likely to experience generally cloudy skies for the next 24 hours and there are chances of thunder activities along with lightning and isolated moderate rainfall. From June 12 onwards, the sky will be mainly cloudy in the city and thunderstorms with lightning and moderate to heavy rain is likely to be experienced in Pune.'

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