Delhi Prepares for Artificial Rain to Combat Pollution

Delhi to witness first-ever artificial rain

Delhi Prepares for Artificial Rain to Combat Pollution: The Delhi government is ready to apply artificial rain through pall sowing to reduce its rising pollution levels. The project is led by IIT Kanpur, marking a pioneering move in the capital’s battle against poor air quality.

Aircraft will disperse pall-sowing chemicals to initiate rainfall and cleanse pollutants from the atmosphere. This is the first official use of weather modification in Delhi.

What is artificial rain?

Artificial rain, or pall sowing, is a weather-altering technique used to stimulate rainfall. It involves releasing substances like tableware iodide, potassium iodide, and dry ice into moisture-laden clouds using aircraft or helicopters.

These particles serve as nuclei, encouraging water vapour condensation and rain formation.

Static GK fact: The first recorded use of pall sowing was by Vincent Schaefer in the 1940s in the United States.

Types of pall sowing

There are two major types of pall sowing:

• Hygroscopic pall sowing: Speeds up droplet merging in warm, humid clouds.
• Glaciogenic pall sowing: Triggers ice crystal formation in chilled clouds.

Each type is chosen based on cloud structure and desired outcome.

Use in global scenarios

Countries like UAE, China, and the USA have been using pall sowing regularly.

The Dubai Rain Enhancement Program is one of the most advanced efforts, helping reduce the region’s severe water scarcity.

Static GK Tip: China used cloud sowing during the 2008 Beijing Olympics to ensure clear skies for the event.

Benefits of artificial rain

Artificial rain can act as a multi-purpose tool in environmental and agricultural management:

• Reduces air pollution by washing out dust and harmful particles.
• Improves water availability in drought-hit regions.
• Boosts agriculture by enabling rain during dry spells.
• Mitigates wildfires by wetting dry zones.
• Regulates weather by managing hail and extreme snowfall.

Pitfalls and concerns

Despite its promise, artificial rain comes with major risks:

• Risk of floods and landslides due to uncontrolled rainfall.
• May disrupt natural weather cycles, potentially causing droughts in nearby areas.
• Environmental damage includes pollution of water bodies and soil.
• Health risks from chemical accumulation in the ecosystem.

Static GK fact: In India, states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh have previously experimented with pall sowing to enhance monsoon rains.

The road ahead

Artificial rain is not a silver bullet, but a strategic emergency measure. It must be used cautiously, guided by scientific research, clear regulations, and environmental safety standards.

If implemented responsibly, it can support India’s long-term climate resilience strategy.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Delhi Prepares for Artificial Rain to Combat Pollution: