Delhi Eyes Skies: Cloud Seeding Poised for Launch Amid Stubborn Smog
Delhi prepares for its first cloud-seeding experiment to combat severe air pollution. Environment Minister Sirsa highlights favorable weather conditions as crucial for takeoff from Kanpur. Meanwhile, Delhi's AQI remains in the 'very poor' category, prompting city officials to prioritize innovative solutions like cloud seeding to tackle environmental issues.
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Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Tuesday an imminent cloud-seeding operation, aimed at inducing artificial rainfall over the capital, contingent upon favorable weather in Kanpur. The aircraft necessary for the operation is currently stationed there, and its takeoff relies on improved visibility conditions.
Sirsa emphasized that the visibility in Kanpur needs to surpass 5,000 meters, whereas current measurements show around 2,000 meters. If visibility improves, cloud seeding over Delhi is expected between 12:30 pm and 1 pm. The post-Diwali air quality levels in Delhi continue to struggle under the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories, despite the implementation of Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Cloud seeding involves injecting specific particles into clouds to provoke rainfall, a technique believed to help tackle pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board reported Delhi's AQI as 306, solidly in the 'very poor' category. In specific areas like Anand Vihar, RK Puram, and Siri Fort, AQI levels exceed 320. The initiative, endorsed by Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is seen as a pivotal step to address ongoing environmental challenges.
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