Delhi's ambitious attempt to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding on Tuesday proved "not entirely successful," as confirmed by IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal. The scientific endeavor, aimed at alleviating the city's severe air pollution, faced a significant hurdle: insufficient moisture content in the clouds. Despite preparations, the conditions weren't optimal for widespread precipitation, leading to a largely unsuccessful outcome, while scientists, however, remain determined and are slated to make another attempt today, Wednesday, hoping for more favorable atmospheric conditions.
The Challenge of Low Humidity
The primary reason for Tuesday's limited success was the critically low humidity levels. According to scientists, a minimum of 50 percent moisture is essential in clouds for effective cloud seeding to trigger rain, while however, on Tuesday, observations indicated that the cloud moisture was less than 20 percent, making it nearly impossible to produce substantial rainfall. Manindra Agrawal emphasized that while cloud seeding is a vital "SOS solution" for. Pollution, it's "not a magic bullet" and relies heavily on prevailing weather conditions. The specialized aircraft equipped for the operation has been retained in Delhi for subsequent trials.
Part of a Broader Pollution Strategy
This cloud seeding trial is a crucial component. Of the Delhi government's comprehensive strategy to improve the capital's deteriorating air quality. Prior to Tuesday's main effort, a test flight had already been conducted last week over the skies of Burari to assess the feasibility and calibrate the equipment. The process involves spraying specific chemical compounds, primarily silver iodide and. Sodium chloride, into suitable clouds to encourage droplet formation and precipitation. Authorities are hopeful that with more conducive conditions, this method can offer some respite from the hazardous pollution levels.
Details of Tuesday's Operation
For Tuesday's operations, a dedicated aircraft flew from Kanpur to Delhi, carrying the necessary chemicals. The plane conducted spraying operations over several areas, including Burari, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar. Environmental Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa elaborated that the first trial involved spraying chemicals in eight bursts, lasting approximately 17 to 18 minutes. At that time, the cloud humidity ranged between 15 to 20 percent, while each chemical burst weighed between 2 to 2. 5 kilograms, and the entire trial spanned about half an hour, while the limited moisture, however, prevented these efforts from yielding the desired results of significant rainfall.
Understanding Cloud Seeding Technology
Cloud seeding isn't a nascent technology; it dates back approximately 80 years. Its origins lie in laboratory experiments where scientists were researching cloud formation, inadvertently discovering methods to artificially induce rain. The technique works by introducing substances into clouds to alter their microphysical processes, thereby increasing the chances of precipitation. However, its effectiveness is contingent upon the presence of naturally existing clouds that possess sufficient moisture. Without adequate moisture, the seeding agents have little material to work with, as witnessed in Delhi's recent attempt. If future trials prove successful, a full implementation plan is expected to be finalized by February.
