IIT-Kanpur pioneers cloud seeding to combat Delhi-NCR air pollution
The researchers at the IIT Kanpur (Indian Institute of Technology) have been working hard for over five years to find a solution to the air pollution problem in Delhi and its neighbouring areas. They’ve come up with an idea called “artificial rains” through cloud seeding, which could help clear the air from pollutants and dust.
Cloud Seeding: Weather-Dependent Solution
In July, they successfully conducted trials, and they received the necessary permissions from government authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to carry out cloud seeding. However, it’s important to note that creating artificial rain depends on specific weather conditions like having enough moisture in the clouds and suitable winds. It’s not a perfect science yet, and we’re not sure if it will work in the pre-winter months or on a large scale.
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Implementing this method also involves getting approvals from various agencies, including the DGCA, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Special Protection Group responsible for the prime minister’s security, to fly aircraft over Delhi.
In September, Delhi’s environment minister, Gopal Rai, mentioned that the city government is considering trying cloud seeding as part of their winter action plan to fight air pollution. They’re looking into the details of how it can be done and what it would entail in terms of implementation and costs.
Professor Manindra Agrawal from IIT Kanpur, who led this project, explained that artificial rains could provide temporary relief for up to a week for people in the National Capital Region (NCR) who are dealing with poor air quality.
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Delhi Implements Strict Vehicle Restrictions
Given that Delhi’s air quality has reached the ‘severe plus’ category recently, stricter measures are being put in place under Stage IV of the graded response action plan. Only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states are allowed to enter Delhi, with exemptions for essential services. Additionally, all medium and heavy goods vehicles not involved in essential services are banned in the capital.
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