Cloud Seeding Feasibility in Delhi’s Smog Crisis: CPCB Responds to Pollution Control Proposals

Cloud Seeding in Delhi Faces Challenges Amid Smog Crisis

New Delhi: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has stated that cloud seeding may not effectively address Delhi’s winter air pollution crisis. An RTI query revealed that limited moisture and reliance on existing clouds hinder successful operations.

The CPCB reviewed a cloud seeding proposal from IIT Kanpur aimed at generating artificial rainfall to combat severe air pollution in the city. According to the CPCB, effective cloud seeding requires clouds with at least 50% moisture content, which is rare in northern India during winter. The moisture levels are often low due to Western Disturbances influencing the weather patterns.

In response to rising pollution levels, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has repeatedly urged the central government to consider cloud seeding. The estimated cost of the proposed experiment is around Rs 3 crore, covering a minimum area of 100 square kilometers.

IIT Kanpur previously conducted successful cloud seeding trials in the summer of 2017, achieving rainfall in six out of seven attempts. However, the intensity and type of resulting rainfall were hard to control. The new trials aim to build on those findings.

While light rains in November last year significantly lowered PM2.5 and PM10 levels in Delhi, opinions on cloud seeding are divided. Amit Gupta, an activist who filed the RTI, supports the trials and calls for immediate action. He believes that if IIT Kanpur had success with cloud seeding, the same could happen in Delhi.

Conversely, environmentalist Verhaen Khanna opposes the method, citing potential harm. He advocates for pollution reduction and tree preservation instead. Khanna raised alarms about silver iodide, the chemical used in cloud seeding, warning of its harmful effects on human health.

The discussion surrounding cloud seeding continues as Delhi seeks effective solutions to its persistent pollution crisis.