Delhi ready for cloud seeding to tackle rising air pollution; awaits IMD approval

Amid the ongoing air quality crisis in the metropolis, the government of Delhi has made plans to implement artificial rains through cloud seeding from October 24 to 26 and consequently relieve the pollution problem temporarily.

Government insiders say that all aerial and surface preparations for the cloud seeding are done, and the city is just waiting for the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to give its last nod. After the signal is given, the government will follow the procedure straight away.

“Pilots have done trial flights over the chosen areas, and they have been successful. The right cloud conditions along with IMD’s approval are what we are waiting on now for artificial rain to proceed,” said Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa at a recent press briefing.

Machinery and Teams on Standby

Officials told that all needed planes, tools, and technical personnel are ready for action as soon as the weather department gives the green light. The procedure is meant to clean the air by bringing in rain that would also help in covering the pollutants.

Why Cloud Seeding?

Every year the period from October to February witnesses heavy air pollution in Delhi which is further aggravated by the post-Diwali smoke, the burning of the residues of the crops, and the stillness of the air. The plan of artificial rain is viewed as a short-term measure for air quality improvement, with the government looking into many more short-term interventions to tackle pollution.

Initially, the plan for the seeding was to do it on or immediately after Diwali, however, it was later moved to October 24-26 in order to take advantage of the more favorable atmospheric conditions.