Delhi Government Initiates Proactive Air Pollution Management through Cloud-Seeding Efforts

Introduction:

In a world increasingly influenced by air pollution, Delhi government has taken an important step in addressing the challenges it faces. As part of its efforts to combat air pollution, the Delhi government approved 5 Cloud-Seeding Trials with an estimated expenditure of ₹3.21 crore. This initiative is a proactive measure aimed at enhancing air quality and promoting sustainable solutions.

Body:

The Delhi government has successfully approved these 5 Cloud-Seeding Trials, which are part of their broader strategy to combat air pollution. Each cloud seed costs ₹55 lakh, making the total expenditure for all trials approximately ₹275 lakh. This figure includes setup and other necessary expenses, bringing the total outlay to ₹3.21 crore.

The first trial is scheduled to take place between May and June this year, covering an area of approximately 100 square kilometers on the outskirts of Delhi. The government has informed that five such trials will be conducted in this phase, with each trial designed to cover a specific region.

Details of Each Trial:

• Trial Location: Each cloud seed will be deployed over different locations, including the outskirts of Delhi and areas across the city.
• Objective: The primary goal is to enhance air quality by improving precipitation and reducing pollution. Cloud-seeding aims to provide silver iodide into moisture-bearing clouds, thereby increasing their likelihood of leading to rain.

Impact on Air Quality:

After the trials, scientific evaluations will assess their effectiveness in reducing air pollution. The projects are being carried out by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT) Kanpur, which will oversee planning, aircraft deployment, chemical dispersal, scientific modeling, and operational logistics. This structured approach ensures that each trial is both effective and efficient.

Conclusion:

The Delhi government’s approval of these 5 Cloud-Seeding Trials represents a significant step forward in addressing air pollution. By investing ₹3.21 crore in this initiative, the government has made strides toward improving air quality and contributing to climate change mitigation. The trials are not just community-driven efforts but also part of a broader commitment to sustainable solutions.

The results of these trials will be closely monitored, with scientific assessments conducted post-trial deployment. This ensures that the interventions are effective and tailored to specific environmental needs in different regions.