Delhi to conduct first artificial rain trial in India

Dubai: Clearer skies and fresher air may soon be a reality for Delhi residents, as a new initiative for artificial rain is soon to be tested in the city.

This landmark project is spearheaded by the Delhi Environment Department, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, alongside Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

Currently, the artificial rain is expected to take place from July 4 to July 11, if the adequate conditions needed for the project sustain.

Here’s an insight about what to expect.

For a city like Delhi, which faces some of the worst impacts of air pollution worldwide, artificial rain can help alleviate the impact of key pollutants like dust and smog.

Authorities have teamed up with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) to conduct this project. The institution has been developing this initiative for quite some time now. In fact, IIT-K had their first successful test flight for cloud seeding back in June 2023.

Although cloud seeding and artificial rain are a common and widely used practice in many other countries, including the UAE, this is a first for India.

Minister Sirsa acknowledged this first-of-its-kind programme and its strong potential. “This initiative marks a historic step in urban pollution control and is being implemented for the first time by the Environment Department under the leadership of the Honourable Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ji,” he said in a statement on X.

Although it’s evident that cloud seeding has the potential to help reduce air pollution, it also carries other benefits. If successful, cloud seeding can be used in the future to address issues like heatwaves and high temperature. Artificial and on-demand rain can be useful for areas facing water scarcity. The usage can also be expanded to other cities and regions in need.

One of the key chemicals used in artificial rain includes silver iodide. Planes release the chemicals in the air, which are then used to stimulate water and ice formations, leading to rainfall.

Although the chemicals involved in these processes are generally considered safe, there are some concerns over what the long-term implications of cloud seeding may be. This includes cases of repeated and frequent use in one area, as well as the effects on wildlife. Mishandling of these chemicals is also a potential threat as they may unwillingly cause environmental harm.