New Delhi — As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital continues to deteriorate ahead of the festive season, the Delhi government has stepped up proactive measures by conducting two rounds of cloud-seeding trials near the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport over the past fortnight.
The trials form part of an ongoing exploration into artificial rain as an emergency intervention to settle toxic particulate matter and temporarily lower high pollution levels.
Key Highlights of the Trials
- Elevated Altitude Operations: The recent tests were executed at an altitude of approximately 30,000 metres, marking a significant elevation shift compared to previous trials conducted at around 10,000 metres.
- Strategic Timing: These operations have been scheduled during periods of worsening air quality index spikes, with further evaluation rounds anticipated following the conclusion of Diwali and Chhath celebrations.
- Technological Objectives: Cloud-seeding involves dispersing specific substances into clouds to stimulate precipitation. While previous iterations faced hurdles due to insufficient moisture content in the atmosphere, authorities continue to refine parameters to test feasibility under varying meteorological conditions.
Future Outlook
Environmental experts note that while cloud-seeding serves as a potential emergency measure to suppress localized smog, long-term mitigation depends heavily on systemic pollution control. The Delhi government is expected to review data from these high-altitude trials before finalizing further operations for the winter pollution cycle.
