IIT Kanpur proposes artificial rain solution to tackle air pollution crisis | Fusion - WeRIndia

Amid the escalating air quality crisis in Delhi-NCR, the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has presented a potential solution to combat the pervasive issue of air pollution in the region.

The institute has been diligently working on the concept of artificial rains through cloud seeding for over five years. It has recently obtained the necessary approvals, including from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Cloud seeding, while not an exact science, involves the release of substances into clouds to stimulate precipitation.

IIT Kanpur’s researchers have successfully conducted trials in July, demonstrating its feasibility.

The technique relies on specific meteorological conditions, such as the presence of moisture-laden clouds and suitable wind patterns.

To implement artificial rain at scale, multiple approvals, including those from the DGCA and the Ministry of Home Affairs, are required.

Delhi’s environment minister had earlier expressed the city government’s intent to explore cloud seeding as part of its winter action plan to combat air pollution.

Professor Manindra Agrawal led the project at IIT Kanpur. He stated that artificial rains could provide temporary relief for up to a week to the residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) grappling with hazardous air quality.

This development comes as Delhi’s air quality has consistently remained in the ‘severe’ category for the fifth consecutive day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

In light of these developments, the Delhi Environment Minister has called a meeting of all relevant departments to strictly implement GRAP-4.

The innovative approach proposed by IIT Kanpur, though not without challenges, offers a glimmer of hope for addressing the chronic air pollution crisis that plagues Delhi and its neighbouring regions.

With the collective efforts of institutions like IIT Kanpur and government authorities, the people of Delhi-NCR may find respite from the harmful effects of air pollution, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to finding creative solutions to this pressing environmental issue.

Image Credit:  Lalujbad, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons