• Source:JND
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Cloud Seeding In Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday stated that the government is preparing to conduct cloud seeding or artificial rain in the next two to three days, provided weather conditions remain favourable.

This announcement follows the implementation of Phase 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) by the Commission for Air Quality Management, after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 200 mark, entering the “poor” category.

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What Is Cloud Seeding?

- Cloud seeding is a technique that involves adding substances like silver iodide or dry ice into clouds to trigger rain or snowfall.

- It is often done in areas experiencing water scarcity, less snowfall, or to reduce hail and clear fog.

- It can be carried out using aircraft, rockets, or machines on the ground.

- IIT Kanpur has developed a formulation comprising silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt.

Cloud Seeding In Delhi

- Sirsa stated that the pilot training for cloud seeding has been completed. “If the weather conditions are apt in the coming two to three days, then with the IMD's approval, the government will conduct the exercise for three hours,” he added.

- Delhi has been planning to conduct cloud seeding for at least the past three months. The initial plan was to conduct cloud seeding between July 4 and 11.

- However, the proposal faced criticism due to timing, during the monsoon season, when the pollution levels are relatively lower. The experts, however, argued that monsoon clouds are required for seeding.

- The government shifted the plan of artificial rain to a revised window between August 30 and September 30 on advice from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

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Cloud Seeding, GRAP, Green Crackers

- Delhi Environment Minister announced plans to conduct cloud seeding, a day after the CAQM implemented GRAP-1 to tackle air pollution.

- Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court of India permitted the use and sale of green crackers during Diwali, aiming to balance festive celebrations with pollution control.

- Whether it is cloud seeding, GRAP or green crackers, all these measures are in place with the same goal: to reduce pollution in the national capital.

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