IIT Kanpur Develops "Artificial Rains" Solution to Tackle Delhi's Air Pollution

• 08 Nov 2023

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has unveiled a potential remedy to combat the pervasive air pollution in Delhi and its neighbouring areas.

• Their proposed solution involves the use of "artificial rains" through cloud seeding to alleviate airborne pollutants and dust.

Key Points

• IIT Kanpur's Initiative: IIT Kanpur has dedicated over five years to creating the necessary conditions for generating artificial rains and successfully conducted trials in July. The project aims to address Delhi's escalating air pollution crisis.
• Government Permissions Obtained: The researchers have secured approvals from government authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), for cloud seeding, as reported by the Economic Times.
• Meteorological Challenges: The implementation of artificial rains relies on specific meteorological conditions, such as the presence of clouds with adequate moisture and suitable winds.
• Cloud seeding, while promising, remains an evolving field, and its effectiveness during pre-winter months and at a larger scale is yet to be determined.
• Regulatory Hurdles: The process involves obtaining multiple approvals, including those from the DGCA, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Special Protection Group responsible for the Prime Minister's security.
• Stringent Measures in Effect: As Delhi's air quality deteriorated, stringent restrictions under Stage IV of the graded response action plan were enforced.
• Only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states are permitted to enter Delhi under these measures, with exceptions for essential services.
• Additionally, medium and heavy goods vehicles not engaged in essential services are banned in the capital, according to the latest order.