Delhi's Air Pollution Takes a Turn for the Worse, but Not Yet Safer with Cloud Seeding.
In an attempt to tackle its notorious pollution problem, India's capital has embarked on cloud seeding as a means to artificially induce rain. The Bharatiya Janata party government has harnessed this technology, which has been touted as a solution by some as a way to reduce Delhi's air quality, the most polluted city in the world.
The idea behind cloud seeding is that aircraft or drones disperse silver iodide particles into clouds, causing water droplets to cluster around them. This supposedly increases precipitation and cleanses the atmosphere. However, experts point out that this approach might not deliver as many results as claimed and often yields minimal outcomes.
Delhi's environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa recently stated that the first trial flight took place on Thursday with seeding flares launched into the sky. The city is set to experience its first artificial rain on October 29 if weather conditions remain favorable. However, experts are wary of cloud seeding being used as a panacea.
A recent statement by two professors at Delhi's Centre for Atmospheric Sciences highlights concerns about this approach. They labeled it a "gimmick" and criticized the idea, citing that there is limited research into long-term effects on agriculture and human health due to repeated use of chemicals like silver iodide or sodium chloride.
The experts also likened cloud seeding to previous government initiatives such as the construction of expensive smog towers, which failed to improve air quality. They urge caution, stating "snake-oil solutions will not clear the air in Delhi or the rest of North India."
Delhi has consistently ranked among the world's most polluted cities for over a decade. In 2024, pollution levels rose by 6% during winter due to emissions from crop burning, factories, and heavy traffic getting trapped over the city when temperatures drop.
While cloud seeding might seem like an innovative solution, it remains uncertain whether this technology will prove effective in significantly reducing Delhi's air pollution.
In an attempt to tackle its notorious pollution problem, India's capital has embarked on cloud seeding as a means to artificially induce rain. The Bharatiya Janata party government has harnessed this technology, which has been touted as a solution by some as a way to reduce Delhi's air quality, the most polluted city in the world.
The idea behind cloud seeding is that aircraft or drones disperse silver iodide particles into clouds, causing water droplets to cluster around them. This supposedly increases precipitation and cleanses the atmosphere. However, experts point out that this approach might not deliver as many results as claimed and often yields minimal outcomes.
Delhi's environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa recently stated that the first trial flight took place on Thursday with seeding flares launched into the sky. The city is set to experience its first artificial rain on October 29 if weather conditions remain favorable. However, experts are wary of cloud seeding being used as a panacea.
A recent statement by two professors at Delhi's Centre for Atmospheric Sciences highlights concerns about this approach. They labeled it a "gimmick" and criticized the idea, citing that there is limited research into long-term effects on agriculture and human health due to repeated use of chemicals like silver iodide or sodium chloride.
The experts also likened cloud seeding to previous government initiatives such as the construction of expensive smog towers, which failed to improve air quality. They urge caution, stating "snake-oil solutions will not clear the air in Delhi or the rest of North India."
Delhi has consistently ranked among the world's most polluted cities for over a decade. In 2024, pollution levels rose by 6% during winter due to emissions from crop burning, factories, and heavy traffic getting trapped over the city when temperatures drop.
While cloud seeding might seem like an innovative solution, it remains uncertain whether this technology will prove effective in significantly reducing Delhi's air pollution.
I mean, I know they wanna tackle the air pollution problem, but 6% increase in winter emissions is crazy! We need real solutions not just some fancy tech that might work sometimes.
. Like, we know the government's gotta do something, but a "gimmick" as these profs call it? Not cool 
. I mean, have they considered the chemicals involved in this process? It sounds like some sketchy stuff that could be messing with our health and environment 
. Can't we just invest in real solutions, like renewable energy and sustainable transportation? It's time for some serious thought and action on air pollution in Delhi 
. And what's up with the government just jumping in without doing proper research or testing? 
. What about the long-term effects on our health and environment? Are we really ready to take that risk? 
.
. I mean, it's not like they're actually going to make a real difference or anything. They'll probably just end up making a mess in the sky and then what? The air will still be polluted, but now it's been "cleansed" by a bunch of fake rain 
️. And don't even get me started on the "silver iodide particles"... sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie 
. Mark my words, this is just another attempt to save face after failing at everything else. They'll be singing a different tune when the air quality doesn't improve and people start getting sick 
.
. Like, have they actually seen it work anywhere else in the world? Because from what I've read, it's all pretty mixed bag.
. Like, can't they just say they don't know and not make a big deal out of it?
. Just don't expect me to be holding my breath waiting for the skies to clear up anytime soon... 
.
I'm all for finding ways to reduce pollution, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here...
I'm not convinced that cloud seeding is the magic bullet we need to tackle Delhi's air pollution problem. The experts are right to be wary of the limited research on long-term effects and the gimmicky nature of the approach.
Experts are warning us that it's just a gimmick and might not even make a difference. And let's not forget all those smog towers that were supposed to save our city, but didn't 
... why should we trust these new-fangled cloud seeders? We need concrete evidence before we start relying on them as the solution to Delhi's pollution problems 
...
.
I've been living in the city for years now, and I've seen how hard it is to breathe, especially during the winter months. It feels like no matter what we do, the pollution just keeps piling up 
. And now they're saying that cloud seeding might not even work as well as they think it will? That's kinda disappointing 
. I wish the government would focus on more practical solutions, like improving public transport or investing in cleaner energy sources 
. But hey, at least we'll get to see some artificial rain on October 29, right? 
Fingers crossed it makes a difference! 
. Plus, think of the morale boost for the people of Delhi – artificial rain is just the thing to lift their spirits after all they've been through 
That's what they call it when you mess up something that's supposed to help 
, and if it does end up making a difference, that's awesome, i guess