For the first time ever, Delhi is preparing to try something new to fight its serious air pollution problem—artificial rain. The city government has planned special flights to make it rain in certain parts of the capital between July 4 and 11, depending on the weather. This is a big deal because, if successful, it could help clean the air and give millions of people a much-needed breath of fresh air.
What’s the Plan?
- When: The artificial rain project is scheduled between July 4 and 11, but only if the weather is right.
- Who’s Involved: A top engineering institute is in charge of the technical side, and the weather department is helping out.
- Backup Plan: If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the government has asked for another chance to try later.
- Why: The main goal is to give everyone in Delhi cleaner air to breathe.
How Will Artificial Rain Work?
- Cloud Seeding: Planes will fly over low-security areas in northwest and outer Delhi.
- Five Flights: There will be five special flights, each lasting about 90 minutes.
- Area Covered: Each flight will cover around 100 square kilometres.
- What’s Sprayed: The planes will release a special mix into the clouds. This mix includes tiny particles of silver iodide, iodised salt, and rock salt.
- How It Helps: These chemicals help water droplets form in the clouds, making it rain sooner and more heavily than it would naturally. When it rains, the water washes away a lot of the pollution from the air, making the air cleaner and safer to breathe.
Why Is This Important?
- Air Pollution Crisis: Delhi is known for having some of the worst air pollution in the world, especially during the winter.
- Basic Right: The government believes that clean air is a basic right for every person living in the city.
- Bold Step: Making rain artificially is a big and risky move, but the government is willing to try anything to help people breathe easier.
What Happens After the Trial?
- Measure Results: After the flights, experts will check if the air quality has improved.
- Future Plans: If it works, artificial rain could become a regular tool in Delhi’s fight against pollution.
- Inspiration: Other cities might also try this method if it proves successful in Delhi.
Delhi’s artificial rain project is a bold and hopeful step toward cleaner air. While there are doubts and challenges, the government and experts are working hard to try something new. If it works, millions of people in Delhi could finally enjoy cleaner, healthier air—and that would be a real victory for everyone.
