Delhi Prepares for Artificial Rain: Will Cloud Seeding Bring Clean Air or New Health Risks?
Delhi is gearing up to conduct cloud seeding — an artificial rain experiment aimed at washing away pollutants choking the city’s air. The operation, led by IIT Kanpur, is expected between October 28 and 30, pending favourable weather conditions.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed that a successful test run was conducted in Burari, and all technical arrangements are complete. Officials said the aircraft from Kanpur will begin seeding as soon as visibility improves to the required 5,000 metres.
What Is Cloud Seeding?
Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances like silver iodide or salt into clouds to encourage rainfall. These particles act as nuclei for water vapour to condense around, forming larger droplets that eventually fall as rain. The technique has been used worldwide — in the U.S., China, the UAE, and Australia — to enhance rainfall and combat pollution.
In Delhi, the goal is to temporarily reduce PM2.5 and dust particles that have pushed air quality into the “severe” category.
Is Cloud Seeding Safe for Health?
While experts say the amount of silver iodide used is minimal, health professionals caution that repeated exposure or inhalation could irritate the respiratory system, especially for people with asthma or bronchitis.
Potential effects include:
- Mild respiratory irritation or coughing
- Eye or skin irritation if exposed to residues
- Exacerbation of pre-existing lung conditions
However, most scientific studies conclude that silver iodide concentrations used in cloud seeding are too low to cause significant harm, given their high dilution in the atmosphere.
Environmental Impact: A Growing Concern
Beyond human health, environmental scientists warn of potential long-term ecological effects. Silver iodide can accumulate in soil and water, possibly impacting crops, aquatic life, and soil bacteria if cloud seeding becomes frequent.
A 2016 review found minimal environmental risk from occasional seeding but suggested repeated large-scale use could alter local ecosystems and soil composition.
Short-Term Relief, Not a Permanent Fix
Experts emphasize that artificial rain is only a temporary solution. While it can reduce airborne pollutants for a few days, sustainable pollution control requires cutting emissions from vehicles, industries, and stubble burning.
Even a light drizzle may offer short-lived relief, but Delhi’s long-term battle against pollution depends on cleaner energy policies and stricter emission standards.
As the city waits for clouds to cooperate, residents are hopeful that this experiment might at least bring a brief breath of fresh air — even if just for a few days.
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