In a significant development, Delhi government is considering implementing artificial rain through cloud seeding by November 20, 2023 to combat the rising air pollution levels in the city.
On Wednesday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai met with a team from IIT Kanpur to explore the feasibility of this approach pending Supreme Court approval, reported NDTV.
Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a fascinating weather modification technique that has been employed for decades to induce precipitation.
This innovative approach involves the introduction of various substances into clouds to encourage the formation and release of rain or snow.
In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the artificial rain process, the history behind its development, the chemicals used, ongoing discussions about its implementation in Delhi, and the associated challenges.
Process of Artificial Rain: Cloud Seeding
The primary goal of artificial rain is to enhance precipitation by modifying the natural processes within clouds. This is typically achieved through the process of cloud seeding.
The most common method involves dispersing seeding agents into clouds, which act as nucleating particles, providing a surface for water droplets to form and grow. The two main types of seeding agents are silver iodide and potassium iodide.
- Silver Iodide
- Silver iodide is a crystalline substance with a structure similar to ice. It is an effective nucleating agent, capable of initiating the freezing process within clouds.
- When dispersed into the atmosphere, silver iodide particles provide a platform for supercooled water droplets to freeze, leading to the formation of ice crystals.
- As these ice crystals grow in size, they eventually fall to the ground as precipitation, either in the form of rain or snow.
- Potassium Iodide
- Potassium iodide serves a similar purpose to silver iodide in cloud seeding.
- It is known for its ability to absorb moisture and facilitate the condensation process within clouds, promoting the formation of raindrops.
History of Artificial Rain
The concept of artificial rain dates back to the 1940s when researchers began exploring methods to enhance precipitation.
One of the pioneering figures in this field was Vincent Schaefer, who, along with Bernard Vonnegut, conducted groundbreaking experiments in the 1940s that led to the discovery of silver iodide’s cloud-seeding capabilities.
The first large-scale use of cloud seeding for weather modification occurred in the 1950s.
Since then, numerous projects and experiments have been conducted worldwide, with varying degrees of success.
China, for example, has extensively implemented cloud seeding to alleviate drought conditions and reduce air pollution during major events like the Beijing Olympics.
Artificial Rain in Delhi: Current Talks and Initiatives
Delhi, the capital city of India, has been grappling with severe air pollution and water scarcity issues, particularly during certain seasons. In response to these challenges, discussions about implementing artificial rain in Delhi have gained momentum.
Delhi Government has already coordinated with IIT Kanpur in this regard. With the approval of the the aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), IIT Kanpur plans to deploy aircraft equipped with cloud-seeding devices to create rains that wash away pollutants.
- Air Quality Improvement:
- Artificial rain is being explored as a potential solution to mitigate air pollution in Delhi. By inducing precipitation, the process could help clear pollutants from the atmosphere, providing temporary relief from smog and hazardous air quality levels.
- Water Conservation:
- Delhi faces water scarcity issues, and artificial rain could contribute to increasing water reserves. By enhancing precipitation, the city could potentially augment its water supply, especially during critical periods.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai clarified that though the Aam Aadmi Party government had presented the proposal of artificial rain to the Supreme Court, it requires a lot of permissions. Speaking to NDTV, the minister said: “A number of permissions are required for artificial rain. It cannot be done in a day.”
The minister said the rains have brought down the pollution levels but the government would be closely monitoring the air quality levels over the next few days. If artificial rains are needed and if the court approves, the government will make preparations towards it.
Challenges Associated with Artificial Rain
While artificial rain presents promising opportunities, it is not without its challenges and controversies.
- Environmental Concerns:
- Critics argue that the use of certain seeding agents, such as silver iodide, may have environmental consequences. Although the quantities used are relatively small, there are concerns about the long-term impact on ecosystems and aquatic environments.
- Unpredictable Results:
- The success of artificial rain is influenced by various meteorological factors, including cloud conditions, temperature, and humidity. Achieving consistent and predictable results remains a challenge, making it difficult to rely solely on this technique for weather modification.
- Ethical Considerations:
- There are ethical concerns surrounding the intentional modification of weather patterns. Questions about the unintended consequences and the potential for abuse of this technology underscore the need for careful regulation and international cooperation.
Conclusion
Artificial rain, or cloud seeding, represents a captivating intersection of science, technology, and environmental management.
The process has a rich history, marked by pioneering discoveries and ongoing efforts to harness its potential for the benefit of communities facing water scarcity and air pollution.
While discussions about implementing artificial rain in Delhi continue, the associated challenges and ethical considerations emphasize the importance of responsible and informed decision-making.
As technology advances and our understanding of weather modification deepens, artificial rain may play an increasingly vital role in addressing pressing environmental issues around the globe.
