Delhi will launch India’s first artificial rain trial in a historic attempt to combat its persistent air pollution. To lower the city’s dangerously high pollution levels, the Delhi government is spearheading the programme in partnership with specialists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
Cloud seeding, a weather manipulation technique that includes releasing chemicals like silver iodide into clouds to encourage rainfall, will be used to create the fake rain. This method has previously been used in countries like China and the UAE to combat drought and pollution.
Subject to favourable weather and cloud availability, officials stated that the trial will start in July. If this experiment is successful, it may be extended to other northern Indian regions, particularly during periods of high smog.
Delhi, often ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, faces hazardous air quality every winter due to industrial emissions, vehicle pollution, and stubble burning in neighboring states. Authorities hope artificial rain will offer a temporary but effective way to clear toxic smog and provide residents with some relief.
