New Delhi air pollution is becoming worse every day. Everyone has the same question How Delhi’s pollution will decrease? How can we breathe clean air in Delhi? Or will Delhi become a gas chamber again this year? Here know the answers, the Delhi Government is planning for cloud seeding for pollution in Delhi. Yes, Cloud seeding brings rain with artificial induction that helps make the air clean or a little better during the winter season.
Through this blog, let us know what is cloud seeding. How cloud seeding is done? How Cloud seeding can help in Delhi’s air pollution? Or also explore previous usages of Cloud seeding!
First, let us know about current Delhi air quality conditions.
Delhi air quality started becoming worse from the start of 2024 October. In Just 20 days, Delhi’s air quality reached over 400 AQI. This air quality trend is increasing every day. Moreover, many reports have claimed several people have suffered breathing-related issues.
What does cloud seeding mean?
Cloud seeding is a scientific process to induce rain. So, the process can also use to enhance rainfall from clouds. Also, known as an artificial process that performed with aircraft or ground generators. The process involves using substances like potassium iodide, silver iodide or sodium chloride into the atmosphere. These particles work as nuclei for water droplets to condense and increase the chance of rainfall from clouds.
How to perform cloud seeding?
1. Checking weather conditions: To start the process, the meteorologists check the suitable weather conditions. As the process can only be possible if the 40% clouds and moisture are in the air.
2. Chemicals release into the clouds: For the process, any aircraft with chemical flares flies around cloud areas by an expert to release chemicals into the clouds.
3. Forming of clouds and rain: The chemical particles help in condensation nuclei which is a process of gathering and forming water droplets. It helps in increasing or resulting in rainfall.
What are the benefits of cloud seeding for pollution and in other cases?
Cloud Seeding for pollution in Delhi can benefit in reducing the levels. As per the records, Delhi air quality during monsoon stays in good and moderate category. Because rainfall helps in washing out from the air. Thus, cloud seeding in Delhi can be a better option for effective control over winter pollution in Delhi. Moreover, cloud seeding can also use in different cases for several benefits. Here explore the benefits of cloud seeding for pollution and other problems:
1. Improving the air quality immediately: Winter pollution in Delhi can worsen instantly and can stay at the same level for days. Immediate rain can help in improving the condition. Artificial rain can help in removing various pollutants including PM2.5 and PM10 which are the major pollutants from the Delhi Air.
2. To fight Drought: Cloud seeding is also a better option during the drought. Since artificial rain can increase water resources. It can help farmers in drought-prone areas to support their crop yields.
3. More environmentally friendly: The chemicals used in cloud seeding such as silver iodide are safe, suggested by several studies.
Is the Government considering cloud seeding for pollution in Delhi?
Yes, the Delhi Environment Minister is requesting the Union minister on cloud seeding for pollution in Delhi. In 2021, the Delhi Government have had considered Cloud Seeding in Delhi for emergency conditions of air pollution. But the plan cancels due to lack of moisture in the air because the air during winter is colder and drier.
The Winter Action Plan to address air pollution in Delhi has already implemented. But to avoid emergency conditions, the Government is planning an immediate and effective solution to control air pollution in Delhi.
The process of cloud seeding requires planning to know the weather conditions to check environmental effects. For it, the clouds should meet a specific height to perform. The method could be temporarily helpful but provide the immediate result in reducing airborne particles.
Let us explore some global examples of cloud seeding for pollution and other reasons:
Many countries have performed cloud seeding in different conditions. Some have also performed it for air pollution to combat the condition. Here are some examples of cloud seeding:
China: Air pollution in China is a major concern that is affecting millions of citizens every day. In 2008, Cloud seeding in China conducted to clear the skies over Beijing for the Olympics. It performed to make air quality levels better in China and reduce the chances of rain during the Beijing Olympics.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE is a well-known developed country known for advanced techniques in the world. They performed it to combat drought and promote agriculture. It also helps in improving UAE air quality, especially in hot regions.
Conclusion: Is Cloud Seeding in Delhi an effective solution for air pollution?
Cloud seeding technique depends on some factors to occur successfully. However, as per the previous records, monsoon rains have helped wash out airborne air quality in Delhi. Thus, cloud seeding can be considered as an emergency solution as Delhi winter pollution is the major concern. But it cannot be the sole solution as other policies or plans can help in improving Delhi’s air quality index.
Let’s work on our pace to improve Delhi air quality this winter. And hope this cloud seeding for pollution in Delhi helps in reducing air pollution and provides clean and breathable air for Delhiites.
