Artificial rain in Delhi? Environment Minister Sirsa holds meeting to brainstorm ideas

The meeting on Thursday was held with officials from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Ministry of Defence, Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Home Affairs, IIT-Kanpur, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Airport Authority of India, among others.

Rainfall, which is usually brought to Delhi by western disturbances in winter, washes away pollutants.

Cloud seeding involves spraying a mixture, which includes salts, into a cloud, using an aircraft, to allow “cloud drops” to form around the nuclei that the salts provide, and eventually fall as rain. The process requires flying into the cloud to measure moisture content and adapt the seeding technique in regard to it. The process is complex and uncertain.

At the meeting, a team of IIT-Kanpur scientists, which has already held cloud seeding pilot runs, told officials present that the process usually covers hundreds of kilometres and has been used in some parts of the world to battle drought.

Earlier attempts at cloud seeding have been successful when weather conditions were ideal. These trials were carried out during monsoon months in 2023 in Kanpur when there was enough moisture in the air and clouds. In earlier trials in 2018, which were done in April and May, six trials done by IIT-Kanpur resulted in rains five times. These trials were done over a limited area.

Trials have not been conducted in winter in Delhi.

Sirsa has sought the cooperation of different departments for permissions. “We are fighting a war against air pollution in Delhi and are committed to implementing all necessary solutions. We are doing this for our children, so they can breathe clean air,” he said after the meeting.

He also reviewed a presentation on installing a static artificial rain-inducing system using natural ionisation technology as an alternative measure.

In a separate meeting with DPCC officials, Sirsa reviewed the implementation of the government’s 14-point action plan to curb dust pollution. These include mandatory use of anti-smog guns, tarpaulin or green nets on building sites, regular cleaning of vehicles transporting construction material, and proper storage and disposal of debris to prevent it from accumulating on roads and public land.

“We will be able to minimise the current level of construction-related dust pollution, which accounts for nearly 30% of the total pollution in the city,” he said.