To control the increasing level of pollution in Delhi, the Delhi government has announced a new scheme, under which the process of artificial rain will be adopted. Under this scheme, the government will take the help of technical measures to reduce the pollution level, so that the citizens can get relief from the troubles caused by air pollution and smoke.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has written a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav discussing this plan of providing artificial rain. He says that pollution in Delhi has reached dangerous levels, and artificial rain is needed to control it.
Describing the pollution levels as a ‘medical emergency’, Gopal Rai said that this situation is no longer normal, and there is a need to take quick and effective steps to control it. However, many questions are being raised regarding the success of this step, such as whether this technology will really be effective, and whether pollution can be controlled in the long run or not.
In view of the pollution situation across North and Central India, the Delhi Government (in Delhi) is in constant communication with many environmentalists and experts to reduce the smog cover.
I am writing a letter to Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupendra Yadav for the fourth time today, asking for an emergency meeting… pic.twitter.com/hulxkonZKP
— Gopal Rai (@AapKaGopalRai) November 19, 2024
What is Artificial Rain and how does this process happen?
Artificial Rain is a scientific process, which is called ‘Cloud Seeding’. In this process, a chemical such as silver iodide, dry ice or common salt is sprayed into the clouds. This work can be done through special planes, balloons, rockets or drones. When this chemical gets mixed in the clouds, it collects water particles and takes the form of rain.
For this, first of all there should be right type of clouds, which should have sufficient amount of moisture and water. Apart from this, it is also necessary to have the right direction and speed of the wind, because due to wrong wind, this chemical can cause rain elsewhere, which will not give the expected results in Delhi.
Can this solution provide relief from pollution?
Regarding the scheme of Artificial Rain by Delhi Government, some scientists and environmental experts believe that it can control pollution for a few days, but it cannot be a permanent solution to pollution. Efforts have been made for artificial rain in the last few years, but every time this plan could not be successful due to some technical and weather related reasons.
A plan for artificial rain was prepared by IIT Kanpur last year, but due to cloudy and unfavorable weather conditions at that time, the plan could not be completed. This time, the Delhi government has again decided to take this step. However, the question also arises whether this time the weather conditions will be favorable and will this effort be successful?
Consequences and risks of cloud seeding
The biggest risk in the process of artificial rain is that it rains in the wrong direction. If the wind direction goes in the wrong direction, then this chemical can cause rain in the nearby districts like Meerut instead of Delhi, which will not reduce the pollution level in Delhi, but may increase the problems in the surrounding areas.
Apart from this, scientists believe that artificial rain can provide relief from pollution only for 4-10 days. Pollution levels may increase again, especially when there is a change in the weather. This technology can only provide temporary relief, but cannot be a solution to completely eliminate air pollution.
To make the process of artificial rain successful, scientists have taken care of some special conditions for it. In this, along with the moisture of the clouds, direction and speed of the wind, it is necessary to have at least 40% clouds in the sky. If all these conditions are not met then this attempt may fail.
Cost and benefits of artificial rain in Delhi
The cost of making artificial rain in Delhi is said to be around Rs 10 to 15 lakh per time. This amount is for a one-time effort, and the expense may increase if the rain attempt is made multiple times. However, the level of pollution in Delhi is very high, and in such a situation, this expenditure can be considered justified to some extent, so that it can get relief from pollution.
This technology has been used all over the world. Till now 53 countries have adopted the process of artificial rain, and through this have tried to reduce the level of pollution. However, this process has not been successful everywhere, and many experts have mixed opinions about it.
Will the efforts of artificial rain in Delhi be successful?
The Delhi government says it will do everything possible to control pollution, and artificial rain could be one step. However, no guarantee can be given regarding its result. Depending on weather conditions, wind direction and availability of clouds, this process may sometimes be successful and sometimes not. Moreover, this is a temporary measure, and more serious steps are needed to eliminate pollution permanently.
Thus, the artificial rain scheme by the Delhi government to provide relief from pollution is an interesting attempt, but many questions still remain over its chances of success and long-term impact. In the coming days, it remains to be seen whether this effort proves effective in controlling Delhi’s pollution or not.
Artificial rain: A new solution to pollution relief
Artificial rain is a scientific process called “Cloud Seeding”. This technology produces rain by spraying chemicals into clouds. This process usually uses silver iodide, dry ice, or common salt, which convert cloud water into particles that form rain. This can be done through small planes, balloons, rockets or drones.
examples from other countries
Artificial rain has been used in many countries of the world. For example, this technology has been used successfully for heavy rainfall and drought control in Saudi Arabia, China, and the United Arab Emirates. China has tried to control pollution with artificial rain around Beijing, while Saudi Arabia has used it to alleviate water shortages in desert areas.
Success Rate and Risk
The success rate of artificial rain can be between 60-70%, but the outcome depends on the weather conditions. This attempt may fail if cloud and wind conditions are not favourable. Additionally, excessive rainfall can also create risks such as flooding, and if chemicals are not dropped in the right place, it can cause problems in nearby areas.
How does artificial rain work?
To create artificial rain, chemicals are sprayed into the clouds, which add water particles to the clouds and make them heavier. Due to this the clouds take the form of rain. This process is especially useful when clouds contain enough moisture but are not ready to produce rain.
Artificial rain may be useful as a temporary solution to pollution, but it is not a permanent solution to pollution. Despite this, this technology may prove to be an effective option to control pollution and provide drought relief.
