Delhi to receive first spell of artificial rain through cloud seeding on October 29
PTC News Desk: Delhi is all set to receive first spell of artificial rain through cloud seeding on October 29, according to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
A trial flight over Burari successfully demonstrated the system by dispersing silver iodide and sodium chloride into the clouds.
The project is a joint effort between the Delhi government and IIT-Kanpur, with technical support from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM Pune.
Five cloud-seeding trials are planned in northwest Delhi to help reduce particulate pollution during the post-Diwali smog period. The operations have been approved by the DGCA and are being conducted under strict safety and air traffic regulations.
How artificial rain works:
Cloud seeding involves introducing substances such as silver iodide or sodium chloride into clouds. These particles serve as condensation nuclei, enabling water droplets to form and combine into raindrops. The success of the process depends on the presence of adequate moisture in the clouds—typically at least 50 percent humidity.
Aircraft equipped with pyrotechnic flares release these materials safely over targeted areas.
The initiative marks a scientific attempt to combat Delhi’s severe winter pollution by using artificial rain to cleanse the atmosphere of particulate matter.
- PTC NEWS
