In a bid to tackle Delhi’s worsening air quality, IIT Kanpur has launched cloud seeding operations aimed at triggering artificial rainfall over the National Capital Region. The ambitious mission hopes to provide short-term relief from the thick blanket of smog that has enveloped the city in recent weeks.
A specialized aircraft, equipped with instruments and silver iodide flares, has already departed for Delhi to initiate the process. The team, led by experts from IIT Kanpur in collaboration with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and other agencies, is monitoring atmospheric conditions to determine the most favorable window for inducing rain.
Cloud seeding is a technique where chemicals are dispersed into moisture-laden clouds to encourage precipitation. While the method has been tested in other parts of India before, this marks one of the most significant attempts in an urban pollution control context.
The initiative, officials say, is both an emergency response and a scientific exploration. Artificial rain, if successful, could help temporarily wash away particulate matter and pollutants, reducing the hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels that have been plaguing the city.
Experts believe it could provide a much-needed breather and valuable insights for future atmospheric interventions. For now, Delhiites are keeping their hopes high — and their eyes on the clouds.