Potential for Artificial Rain Over Delhi: Cloud Seeding Examined
- Muhammad Ahmad
- Dec 6, 2024
- 2 min read
Cloud seeding considered to combat Delhi’s winter air pollution, but challenges persist
Cloud seeding faces hurdles due to weather conditions and technical limitations in Delhi winters
Delhi explored artificial rain to address winter air pollution.
Expert opinions reveal feasibility and effectiveness challenges.
Comprehensive measures are being implemented to combat pollution.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change received multiple requests from Delhi's Environment Minister, Shri Gopal Rai, to consider cloud seeding as an emergency intervention to improve winter air quality. Expert opinions from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) were sought to evaluate its feasibility.
Delhi’s air pollution is a pressing issue due to the severe health impacts caused by high levels of particulate matter, particularly during winter. Cloud seeding, often considered a quick solution, has garnered attention globally. However, experts' analysis revealed several limitations, making its implementation in Delhi during winter challenging.
Technical Focus
Delhi's air pollution is a mix of vehicular emissions, industrial activities, dust from construction, biomass burning, and episodic events like stubble burning. Winter weather exacerbates this by creating stagnant conditions that trap pollutants. Cloud seeding typically requires specific cloud types and favourable conditions, rarely present in Delhi's cold and dry winters.
Expert feedback highlighted that most winter clouds in Delhi are formed due to Western Disturbances, which naturally bring rain, reducing the need for artificial intervention. High-altitude clouds, typical during this period, are inaccessible for seeding. The dry atmospheric layers also often cause rain from seeded clouds to evaporate before reaching the ground. Concerns about chemical impacts and uncertainties in outcomes were also flagged.
CAQM convened a stakeholder meeting on November 27, 2024, to further explore the feasibility of cloud seeding. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) was also asked to provide a detailed proposal for evaluation. Meanwhile, the government is implementing multiple measures to curb pollution, targeting sources like vehicles, industries, and waste burning.
While cloud seeding remains a debated option, long-term and multi-sectoral interventions are key to effectively addressing Delhi’s air quality crisis.