Delhi Pollution: What Is Cloud Seeding? How Does It Help Reduce AQI?

In response to Delhi's dangerously high pollution levels, Environment Minister Gopal Rai, on Tuesday said that artificial rain could be treated as one of the measures to reduce the smog in the  national capital.

"We are consulting specialists to explore measures to reduce the smog. One of the solutions under consideration is artificial rain, which can help settle pollutants and clear the air," Rai said.

Delhi Pollution: What is cloud seeding?
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique designed to increase precipitation. Substances like silver iodide, dry ice, or salt are dispersed into clouds to encourage rain formation by acting as nuclei for water droplets. It is implemented via aircraft, rockets, or ground-based generators.

Delhi AQI reaches 'dangerous' levels: Delhi’s tryst with Cloud Seeding
The Delhi government, with support from IIT Kanpur, is reportedly exploring cloud seeding as a strategy to tackle severe air pollution. Costing around ₹1 lakh per square kilometer, the proposed initiative aims to induce rainfall, which can settle particulate matter and improve air quality temporarily.

What are the benefits of Cloud Seeding?
Cloud Seeding supports agriculture during droughts and provides relief in drought-stricken areas. It boosts hydropower that generates electricity. It can reduce pollution and manage fog or extreme weather, making it a versatile tool across various sectors and providing valuable solutions. 

Cloud Seeding: What are the challenges in the technique?
It is seen as a help to curb pollution, but it also has several challenges in the long run. Cloud seeding involves high costs, potential harm to ecosystems, alteration of natural weather patterns, and residual toxicity from chemicals, raising environmental concerns around the place.