2 weeks Ago By Vishwa Mohan
Rajya Sabha (File photo) NEW DELHI: The Union environment ministry on Thursday indicated that cloud seeding , as an emergency measure to improve Delhi’s air quality, may not be a feasible option. This is because the specific cloud conditions required for seeding are generally absent during the capital’s cold and dry winter months, and there are concerns about the “uncertainties, efficacy, and potential adverse effects of the chemicals”. The ministry, in response to a Parliament question, told the Rajya Sabha that it shared the views of experts with Delhi government which urged the Centre to consider the option of artificial rains through cloud seeding.
Quoting experts, the ministry in a written response said, "Winter clouds in the region are primarily formed due to Western Disturbances (WD), which are short-lived and travel from West to East. When low clouds form due to WDs, they typically result in natural rainfall over Northwest India, eliminating the need for cloud seeding. High-altitude clouds, which are typically at elevations above 5-6 km, cannot be seeded due to aircraft limitations.
" Furthermore, effective cloud seeding requires specific cloud conditions, which are generally absent during Delhi’s cold and dry winter months. Even if suitable clouds were present, the dry atmospheric layer beneath them could cause any developed precipitation to evaporate before reaching the surface. Additionally, concerns about the uncertainties, efficacy, and potential adverse effects of cloud seeding chemicals remain.
" Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai had written four letters (August 30, October 10, October 23 and November 19) to the Union environment ministry, seeking consideration of cloud seeding options. "In this regard, expert opinions were sought from India Meteorological Department (IMD), Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining areas (CAQM) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding feasibility of cloud seeding for artificial rainfall in Delhi during winter," said the ministry while sharing details of the expert opinion with the Upper House. It told the House that a meeting with concerned stakeholders and experts was also convened by CAQM on November 27 for exploring the feasibility of the cloud seeding to tackle the air pollution crisis in Delhi.
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