• Source:JND
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Artificial Rain In Delhi:  Delhi’s much-anticipated artificial rain trial is still on hold and is likely to be conducted on October 29, months after it was proposed. As Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed in the “very poor” category for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, a team of scientists from IIT Kanpur are ready to conduct the artificial rain experiment.

However, the trial cannot proceed due to the absence of sufficient clouds and moisture in the sky, which are crucial for generating artificial rain.

"Preparations have been completed for the first time in Delhi to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding. Today, experts have successfully tested it in the Burari area. The weather department has indicated the possibility of cloud presence on October 28, 29, and 30. If conditions remain favourable, Delhi will experience its first artificial rain on October 29," Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said. 

IIT Kanpur Awaits Suitable Clouds To Begin Experiment

The team of scientists from IIT Kanpur is waiting for suitable clouds to arrive over Delhi to initiate the artificial rain experiment. Their Cessna aircraft is fully prepared to produce artificial rain, with all necessary requirements in place. The trial has also received a nod from the Central Government’s Civil Aviation Ministry, and an agreement has been finalised with the Delhi Government to support the operation.

ALSO READ: Delhi Pollution: Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’ For Fourth Straight Day Post-Diwali | Check Areas Wise AQI

Trial On Hold Due To Lack Of Suitable Clouds: Sirsa

Speaking to news agency PTI, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday said that according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there are currently no suitable clouds for the artificial rain trial, and no favourable window is expected until October 25.

“The day we get suitable clouds, we will conduct the trial immediately, as all preparations — from permissions to flight arrangements- are already in place,” he said.

Although earlier reports suggested the experiment could take place shortly after Diwali, the plan remains on hold despite a significant rise in pollution levels following this year’s Diwali celebrations with firecrackers.

ALSO READ: Not Firecrackers... This Is The Real Reason Air Quality Is Worsening; Department Data Reveals The Truth

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