New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday said that the much-anticipated cloud-seeding operation to induce artificial rainfall in the national capital is likely to take place today, subject to favourable weather conditions in Kanpur, where the designated aircraft is stationed.
Speaking to ANI, Sirsa said that visibility in Kanpur currently stands at around 2,000 metres, whereas a minimum of 5,000 metres is required for the aircraft to take off safely.
“As soon as the weather clears up in Kanpur, our aircraft will take off from there today. If it succeeds in taking off, cloud seeding will be done in Delhi today. Through that, there will be rainfall in Delhi. Right now, visibility in Kanpur is 2,000 metres, and we are waiting for it to reach 5,000 metres. We hope this will be possible by 12:30–1 pm,” Sirsa said.
He added that once the aircraft departs from Kanpur, the operation will be carried out over Delhi and then return to its base.
Purpose of the Cloud-Seeding Effort
The experimental operation aims to artificially induce rainfall in an effort to reduce air pollution levels in the capital, which have worsened after Diwali. Post-Diwali, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ category in multiple areas, even as Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remains in effect.
Cloud seeding is a scientific process that involves dispersing silver iodide or salt-based particles into moisture-laden clouds using aircraft. These particles encourage condensation, causing small droplets to merge into larger ones, eventually leading to rainfall.
Current AQI Levels in Delhi
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 306 as of 8 a.m. on Tuesday — classified as ‘very poor’.
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Anand Vihar: 321
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RK Puram: 320
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Siri Fort: 350
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Bawana: 336
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Burari Crossing: 326
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Dwarka Sector 8: 316
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Mundka: 324
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Narela: 303
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Punjabi Bagh: 323
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Calls It a ‘Pioneering Step’
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed the cloud-seeding initiative, describing it as a “necessity for the capital” and a pioneering environmental step.
“Cloud seeding is a necessity for Delhi and is the first experiment of its kind. We want to try it to see if it can help us control this very serious environmental problem,” Gupta said.
She added that the people of Delhi support the initiative and expressed hope that it would mark a turning point in combating the capital’s persistent air quality crisis.
“The blessings of the people of Delhi are with the government, and we feel that this will be a successful experiment. In the future, we will be able to overcome these environmental challenges,” she said