The Delhi government has decided to bear the entire cost of artificial rainfall process to tackle hazardous air pollution in the city and has directed the Chief Secretary to present the government’s idea before the Supreme Court on Friday. The officers provided this information. Officials said on Thursday that if the Center supports the decision, the Delhi government can arrange for the first artificial rain in the city by November 20.
A senior government official said that the Delhi government has decided to bear the cost of artificial rain. If the Center gives its support to the Delhi government, then artificial rain can be made by 20th November. He said the Chief Secretary has been directed to inform the Supreme Court that the Delhi government is in principle willing to bear the cost (a total of Rs 13 crore) of the pilot initiative of Phase I and II based on the advice of the IIT-Kanpur team. Has agreed.
Officials said that according to the information received from the IIT-Kanpur team, permission from 10 ministries and agencies of the central government as well as the Uttar Pradesh government will be required to create artificial rain. He said that the team has recommended that in view of the emergency of air pollution in Delhi, the first artificial rain covering an area of 300 square kilometers in the first phase can be done immediately.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had said on Wednesday that the Delhi government is planning to provide artificial rain through ‘cloud seeding’ this month to tackle air pollution in the national capital. Rai held a meeting with scientists from IIT-Kanpur, who told that ‘cloud seeding’ can be attempted only when there is moisture or clouds in the atmosphere. The minister had told journalists that experts estimate that such a situation may arise around November 20-21. We have asked the scientists to prepare a proposal by Thursday, which will be submitted to the Supreme Court. Rai stressed that obtaining approval from both the central and state governments for the use of this technology is a time-sensitive matter.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrityunjay Mohapatra told ‘PTI-Bhasha’ that attempts to create artificial rain can be made only when there are clouds or moisture. ‘Cloud seeding’ involves spreading substances into the air to promote condensation, resulting in rain. The most common substances used for ‘cloud seeding’ include silver iodide, potassium iodide and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide).
This technology has been used in various parts of the world, mainly in places where there is water scarcity or drought conditions.