Introduction
Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a process that involves adding substances to clouds to encourage precipitation. In recent years, artificial rain has been used in various parts of the world to combat drought and air pollution. In this blog post, we will discuss the use of artificial rain in Delhi to tackle air pollution.
Table of Contents
What is Artificial Rain?
Artificial rain is a process that involves adding substances to clouds to encourage precipitation. The most common substances used for cloud seeding are silver iodide, potassium iodide, and dry ice. These substances act as nuclei around which water droplets can condense, leading to the formation of rain.
Artificial Rain in Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, has been grappling with severe air pollution for years. During the winter months, the city’s air quality deteriorates further due to the burning of crop residue in neighboring states. In recent years, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has been researching pollution and its adverse effects, exploring ways to tackle it. Recently, the institution achieved a significant breakthrough by introducing cloud seeding technology, designed for weather changes that encourage cloud condensation 1. The institute has obtained permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to deploy aircraft equipped with cloud-seeding devices 1. The Delhi government is planning to induce artificial rain on November 20-21 through cloud seeding to tackle the severe air pollution 2.
Artificial rain in delhiBenefits of Artificial Rain
Artificial rain has several benefits, including:
- Reducing air pollution: Artificial rain can help wash away pollutants and dust with man-made rain, providing a temporary but effective solution for Delhi and its neighbors 1.
- Increasing water supply: Artificial rain can help increase water supply in areas that are experiencing drought 3.
- Reducing damage from hailstorms: Artificial rain can help reduce damage from hailstorms by reducing the size of hailstones 3.
Conclusion
Artificial rain, or cloud seeding, is a process that can help combat air pollution, increase water supply, and reduce damage from hailstorms. In Delhi, artificial rain is being used to tackle the severe air pollution that the city experiences during the winter months. While artificial rain is not a long-term solution to air pollution, it can provide temporary relief until more permanent solutions are found.