A scheduled cloud seeding operation in Delhi-NCR set for Wednesday to trigger artificial rain has been canceled due to low atmospheric moisture levels, hindering the process’s effectiveness, according to Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur scientists. Real-time meteorological data analyzed by the IIT Kanpur team revealed insufficient moisture content in the clouds over the area, essential for successful cloud seeding.
The technique, involving the release of silver iodide or sodium chloride into clouds to stimulate rainfall, will recommence once weather conditions are conducive. Earlier trials were conducted despite the low humidity levels. Delhi performed its first cloud seeding trials in over five decades on Tuesday to address worsening pollution. The operation covered various regions using a Cessna aircraft equipped with chemical flares containing silver iodide and sodium chloride.
Although the India Meteorological Department (IMD) did not register rainfall in Delhi, slight precipitation was noted in Noida (0.1 mm) and Greater Noida (0.2 mm). The Delhi government reported a marginal reduction in particulate matter levels in the targeted areas post the trials. Before the activity, PM 2.5 concentrations in specific locations were notably high but dropped after seeding was conducted.
The experiment involved releasing fire flares containing chemicals at different altitudes to induce condensation. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa mentioned that rainfall was anticipated within a few hours after the seeding, with multiple trials planned depending on the IMD forecast. Despite the initiative, experts caution against excessive reliance on cloud seeding due to the low moisture levels in Delhi and potential environmental impacts of the chemicals used.
Environmentalists view cloud seeding as a temporary solution and emphasize the importance of addressing pollution at its source. This marks Delhi’s first significant cloud seeding endeavor in over 53 years, with the last similar experiments conducted in the late 1950s and early 1970s using ground-based generators and silver iodide to initiate rainfall.