Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced a major development in the national capital’s efforts to combat air pollution. Delhi is set to witness its first-ever artificial rain through cloud seeding. CM Gupta stated that preparations for the experiment have been completed, and experts have successfully conducted a test in the Burari area today. The measure comes amid the ongoing deterioration of air quality, which continues to remain in the “very poor” category.
Delhi Prepares for Artificial Rain to Fight Pollution
In a post on X, CM Gupta stated that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cloud presence between October 28 and 30, and if conditions remain favourable, Delhi could experience artificial rainfall on October 29. She has called this measure a “scientific method” to combat pollution in the national capital. Gupta reiterated government’s objective to make Delhi’s air clean and safe. She also extended her best wishes to Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and all officials involved in the project.
“Preparations have been completed for the first time in Delhi to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding. Today, experts have successfully tested it in the Burari area. The weather department has indicated the possibility of cloud presence on October 28, 29, and 30. If conditions remain favourable, Delhi will experience its first artificial rain on October 29. This initiative is not only historic from a technical perspective but is also set to establish a scientific method to combat pollution in Delhi. The government’s objective is to make the capital’s air clean and the environment balanced through this innovation. Best wishes to our cabinet colleague Manjinder Singh Sirsa and all officials involved in making this effort successful,” she wrote on X.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta tweets, “Preparations have been completed for the first time in Delhi to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding. Today, experts have successfully tested it in the Burari area. The weather department has indicated the possibility of cloud presence on… pic.twitter.com/u7kNYGyoas
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Delhi Environment Minister on Cloud Seeding
Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that the cloud seeding operations are ready to take off, with Cessna aircraft and all necessary equipment in place. He added that the pilots are licensed, and authorities are awaiting the green signal from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to commence operations as soon as clouds form.
In an interview with ANI, Sirsa said, “For cloud seeding, clouds are essential. We already have full permission from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and everything is under control. The planes have arrived, including the Cessna, and all the necessary equipment has been installed. The pilots have obtained their licenses. Now, we are just waiting for the green signal from the Meteorological Department to proceed with cloud seeding. We are confident that within the next week, as soon as the clouds form, the cloud seeding operations will be carried out.”
What is Artificial rain?
Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a weather modification method where aircraft release substances such as silver iodide or dry ice into clouds to stimulate rainfall. It is considered helpful in areas facing drought or water shortages, boosting water supply for agriculture and drinking, and reducing air pollution by washing away dust and pollutants from the atmosphere.
