Climate Threat Global Challenges

Artificial Rain to Clean Air in New Delhi

India has launched a pilot project using artificial rain to clean the air in Delhi, where pollution was heavy after all the fireworks during the Diwali festival of lights earlier this week, writes The Guardian.

Since the BJP party took power in the region earlier this year, they have advocated so-called cloud seeding to overcome air pollution in the city of millions. The method involves using planes or drones to disperse particles of silver iodide into the air to chemically affect clouds and induce precipitation.

On Thursday, a first test of the dispersion of silver iodide was carried out.

– If conditions remain favorable, Delhi will experience its first artificial rain on October 29, says Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Indian Scientists Criticize Method: “Gimmick”

Shahzad Gani and Krishna AchutaRao, professors at the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences in Delhi, condemn the authorities’ use of artificial rain as “a gimmick.”

In The Hindu newspaper, they compare the project to the “smog towers” ​​– huge, vacuum cleaner-like outdoor air purifiers – erected by the previous government. They cost millions of rupees but were virtually ineffective.

The professors warn of insufficient research into the long-term effects of the chemicals used for cloud seeding, such as silver iodide and sodium chloride.

“Cloud seeding cannot create rain without clouds, at best provides temporary relief and diverts attention from evidence-based solutions that tackle the underlying problems.”

Cleaner vehicles and energy as well as better waste management and urban planning are the solution, they continue.