CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Delhi is preparing to carry out its first-ever cloud seeding operation between August 30 and September 10, 2025, in a bid to combat its persistent air pollution crisis. The initiative, originally scheduled for July, was postponed following guidance from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. This Rupees 3.21 crore pilot project will use five specially adapted Cessna aircraft to initiate artificial rainfall across parts of northwest and outer Delhi.
About Cloud Seeding
Cloud seeding is a weather modification process aimed at enhancing rainfall. The technique involves dispersing substances such as silver iodide, dry ice, or salt particles into clouds to stimulate the formation of raindrops. This approach can increase precipitation by approximately 5–15%, but it depends on the presence of suitable, moisture-rich clouds. Cloud seeding is employed globally to ease water shortages, reduce hail damage, and clear fog in airports.
Addressing Delhi’s Air Pollution Problem
Delhi consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. During the 2024–25 winter, the city experienced an average PM2.5 level of 175 micrograms per cubic metre, far exceeding global safety thresholds. Such hazardous pollution levels are linked to a reduction in life expectancy by nearly 12 years, according to WHO standards. Cloud seeding is being explored as a temporary intervention to lower pollution levels by artificially inducing rainfall, which helps settle airborne pollutants.
Project Execution Plan
The operation will utilize five aircraft, each covering an area of approximately 100 square kilometres per mission. Every flight is expected to last 90 minutes. The seeding materials, developed by IIT Kanpur, include silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. Target areas have been chosen based on low-security air zones within northwest and outer Delhi, ensuring minimal interference with commercial air traffic.
Reason For Postponement
Initially planned for early July, the operation was delayed after meteorological experts noted that monsoon cloud patterns were unsuitable for effective seeding during that period. For cloud seeding to succeed, stable and moisture-laden clouds are essential. Weather models suggested that conditions would be more favourable in late August and early September, enhancing the likelihood of success.
Expected Benefits And Known Limitations
While cloud seeding can temporarily reduce pollution by washing particulate matter from the air, it is not a permanent solution. Experts warn that its impact is limited to short-term improvements and does not address the root causes of pollution, such as vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and biomass burning. Moreover, since this trial occurs during the monsoon, it may not fully reflect the pollution conditions of winter, when air quality is at its worst.
Environmental And Practical Considerations
There are ongoing concerns about the ecological and environmental consequences of cloud seeding. Artificially induced rain might influence local weather systems or water cycles, and the long-term effects remain under-researched. Additionally, questions around the cost-effectiveness and scalability of this technique for large-scale urban pollution control remain unresolved. While promising, it should be viewed as part of a broader strategy to improve Delhi’s air quality.
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