For many years, Delhi has struggled with extreme air pollution, particularly in the winter when nearby states burn agricultural residue (Parali), which exacerbates the city’s already declining air quality. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, has created a method known as “artificial rain,” or cloud seeding, to address this problem.
To lessen air pollution in the city during the winter, the Delhi administration is thinking of deploying cloud seeding technology to simulate rain. The government of Delhi is willing to cover the expense of creating artificial rain, and if the Centre approves the plan, the city can have its first artificial rain by November 20.
Unexpected rain recently covered Delhi, providing a much-needed break from the city’s harmful pollution. Many people discussed whether the abrupt shift in weather was caused by artificial rain or by actual rain on social media platforms. Images captured from the Kartavya Path, ITO, and the boundary between Delhi and Noida revealed light to moderate rain showers.
What are the benefits of artificial rain?
Releasing substances into the atmosphere to affect the properties of clouds is a method of creating artificial rain, commonly referred to as cloud seeding. To promote precipitation, cloud seeding entails altering the microphysical processes that exist within clouds. The following are a few advantages of manufactured rain:
- Improves water availability for agriculture: By refilling water reservoirs and reducing drought conditions, artificial rain can aid in improving the availability of water for agriculture.
- Enhances water resource management: To alleviate water scarcity and improve water resource management, artificial rain can be a significant help.
- Reduces the risk of forest fires: By raising humidity, artificial rain can help control wildfires.
- Enhances air quality: By lowering dust and other airborne contaminants, artificial rain can enhance the quality of the air.
How long does it take for artificial rain to work?
Cloud seeding, also referred to as “manufactured rain,” is the technique of changing the microphysical processes that occur in clouds to promote precipitation. The type of cloud being seeded, the climatic conditions, and the duration of the seeding process all affect how long artificial rain takes to start. The same variables also affect how long the rain lasts. However, because it depends on several factors, it is challenging to anticipate with precision when artificial rain will start to function.
How is cloud seeding implemented?
By releasing chemicals into the atmosphere to affect cloud features, a process known as “cloud seeding” modifies the weather. To promote precipitation, cloud seeding entails altering the microphysical processes that exist within clouds. The most often utilized substances for cloud seeding are dry ice, potassium iodide, and silver iodide. These materials function as ice nuclei or cloud condensation, changing the microphysical processes that occur in the cloud.
There is disagreement over how effective cloud seeding is, and some research indicates that it may be challenging to demonstrate with clarity that cloud seeding has a significant impact. The type of cloud being seeded, the climatic conditions, and the duration of the seeding process all affect how long artificial rain takes to start. The same variables also affect how long the rain lasts. However, because it depends on several factors, it is challenging to anticipate with precision when artificial rain will start to function.