Cloud Crafting: Delhi's First Step Towards Artificial Rain

The technique of cloud seeding, which artificially modifies clouds to enhance rainfall, was trialed in Delhi as a solution to air pollution. This involves introducing particles into clouds, enabling condensation. Despite historical roots and advancements, its effectiveness and potential environmental impacts remain debated. Appropriate precautions and permissions are essential.

Delhi witnessed its inaugural cloud-seeding experiment on Tuesday, aiming to increase rainfall as a strategy to combat air pollution. This technique, which dates back to experiments by Vincent Schaefer and Bernard Vonnegut in the mid-20th century, involves adding particles to clouds to encourage precipitation.

The process utilizes aircraft to seed clouds with particles like silver iodide in cold clouds or sodium chloride in warm clouds, promoting droplet fusion and enhancing rain efficiency, as described by researchers from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. However, despite its historical application, the method's efficacy and potential environmental consequences remain subjects of global scrutiny.

Determining suitable locations and understanding weather conditions are crucial for the execution of cloud-seeding trials. The IITM emphasizes the importance of safety protocols and obtaining necessary permissions. Additionally, information on the cloud environment pre- and post-seeding further aids in refining this complex scientific endeavor.

(With inputs from agencies.)