In a bid to tackle the worsening air quality in the national capital, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai has written to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging the central government to convene an urgent meeting with relevant stakeholders to expedite the approval process for cloud seeding. This weather modification technique aims to mitigate the anticipated rise in air pollution levels following the Diwali festivities.
In his letter, Rai emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that Delhi is likely to experience hazardous air pollution levels by early November. He highlighted that there has already been a delay of approximately one month in the efforts to implement cloud seeding in the city, which further complicates the air quality crisis.
“We have to work closely with different agencies to secure the necessary approvals for effective implementation,” Rai stated, stressing the need for collaboration to address the pressing issue. Last year, the Delhi government explored the potential of cloud seeding as a strategy to combat pollution, with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur outlining its benefits. However, progress has been stymied by delays in obtaining critical clearances from central agencies.
Cloud seeding involves the artificial induction of rain to help cleanse the atmosphere of pollutants, making it a temporary solution to Delhi’s chronic smog problems. Rai reiterated the readiness of the Delhi government to proceed with cloud seeding but emphasized that clearances from central departments are essential.
Experts have suggested inducing artificial rain through cloud seeding, a method that involves releasing silver iodide (AgI) into the atmosphere to facilitate the formation of ice crystals, thereby enhancing the clouds’ capacity to generate rain.
The Delhi government is keen to implement this measure swiftly to prevent the capital from experiencing a repeat of previous years’ severe air quality crises, particularly following the Diwali celebrations, which typically exacerbate pollution levels. With winter approaching, the urgency to take action is more pronounced than ever.
Sources By Agencies