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Pollution control

Delhi Conducts Cloud Seeding Trials to Induce Artificial Rain

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Delhi's government conducted cloud seeding trials using a Cessna aircraft equipped with salt-based and silver iodide flares to induce artificial rain, aiming to curb deteriorating pollution levels. The trials, led by IIT Kanpur's Director Manindra Agrawal, were conducted in areas including Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar. Despite the trials not completely succeeding in producing rain, they did help reduce particulate matter at targeted locations, with two precipitation events recorded in Noida and Greater Noida.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Delhi government conducted two cloud seeding trials using a Cessna aircraft equipped with salt-based and silver iodide flares.
  • The trials aimed to induce artificial rain to curb deteriorating pollution levels in the capital.
  • The trials were conducted in areas including Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar.
  • Eight flares, each weighing between 2 and 2.5 kilograms, were used during the process.
  • The moisture content predicted by IMD was low, at around 10-15 percent, which is not ideal for cloud seeding.
  • The trials succeeded in reducing particulate matter at targeted locations, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels decreasing significantly.
  • Two precipitation events were recorded in Noida and Greater Noida, with Noida recording 0.1 mm of rain and Greater Noida recording 0.2 mm.

Statistics:

  • 8 flares were used during the cloud seeding trials, each weighing between 2 and 2.5 kilograms.
  • The moisture content predicted by IMD was low, at around 10-15 percent.
  • The PM2.5 levels at Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari were 230, 229, and 221 respectively before cloud seeding, and 207, 206, and 203 respectively after cloud seeding.
  • The PM10 levels at Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari were 209, 206, and 207 respectively before cloud seeding, and 177, 163, and 177 respectively after cloud seeding.
  • Two precipitation events were recorded, with Noida recording 0.1 mm of rain and Greater Noida recording 0.2 mm.

Sources:

  • "Delhi conducts cloud seeding trial for rain" by DNA (Daily News & Analysis), no date provided.

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