As Delhi faces an escalating air pollution crisis, the idea of cloud seeding , or artificial rain , has been proposed as a potential short-term solution to improve the city's hazardous air quality. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi has remained in the "severe plus" category for several days, with AQI readings consistently surpassing 450, signalling extreme pollution levels. In response to this, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has called on the Central government for assistance, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate the use of cloud seeding to help mitigate the growing pollution problem.
The Delhi government has been exploring cloud seeding as a possible method to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution. What is cloud seeding or artificial rain? Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique designed to increase precipitation by introducing specific substances into clouds, encouraging the formation of rain or snow. Common materials used in the process include silver iodide, potassium iodide, and dry ice.
These substances act as nuclei around which water droplets can form, potentially enhancing precipitation. Cloud seeding can be carried out using various methods, such as aircraft, ground-based generators, or even rockets. In the context of air pollution, the primary goal is to "wash away" pollutants from the atmosphere.
The theory is that increased rainfall could help settle dust, particulate matter, and other airborne pollutants, providing temporary.
