Delhi’s Cloud Seeding Trials Hindered by Low Humidity
Delhi’s recent attempts at cloud seeding, aimed at reducing pollution, have faced setbacks due to insufficient moisture in the atmosphere. Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that joint trials by IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government were unable to generate rainfall as planned.
Speaking to ABP News, Minister Sirsa explained that each cloud seeding attempt costs roughly ₹30–35 lakh, and multiple operations could total up to ₹3 crore. During Tuesday’s trial, humidity levels were only 15%, whereas a minimum of 50% is required for effective artificial rainfall.
Despite the unsuccessful attempts, Sirsa expressed optimism. IIT Kanpur scientists have developed a new chemical mixture that could potentially enable artificial rainfall even under lower humidity conditions. According to India Meteorological Department forecasts, humidity is expected to rise later, allowing the next trial to proceed as soon as weather conditions are favorable.
Meanwhile, criticism came from former Health Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, who called the trials a waste of public money. Responding to this, Sirsa highlighted that while the previous government discussed cloud seeding for ten years, no Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was ever signed. “We conducted the first trial and will continue our efforts. Temporary setbacks will not deter us,” he said.
This marks Delhi’s first cloud seeding attempt with IIT Kanpur’s collaboration, targeting improved air quality in the capital. The technique has already been successfully implemented in countries like the United States, China, and the UAE to combat drought and pollution.
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