Clouds must first appear, and only then can seeding be implemented.
Indian authorities plan to induce artificial rain in Delhi to combat the suffocating smog. According to the head of the Delhi government, tests have been successful. However, weather conditions may hinder the plans.
The Indian capital regularly ranks among the cities with the worst environmental conditions. At the end of October, air pollution levels reached a "hazardous to health" level. The situation worsened after the Diwali festival, also known as the "Festival of Lights." During this time, people widely used firecrackers, complicating the situation.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that efforts will be made to clean the air using artificial rain technology. The experiment is scheduled for October 28-30, weather permitting. Gupta noted that preparations for cloud seeding have already been completed, and experts have conducted successful tests of the technology.
As reported by The Indian Express, a test flight between Kekra and Burari lasted four hours. During this time, silver iodide and sodium chloride were dispersed using pyrotechnic charges.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa explained that cloud seeding cannot be conducted if there are no clouds. He emphasized that clouds must first appear, and only then can seeding be implemented.
Cloud seeding technology is most often used to increase precipitation. Special agents stimulate the condensation of larger water droplets and the fall of precipitation. When microscopic particles, such as silver iodide, enter the clouds, they become centers for ice crystallization. Water freezes on these particles, forming small ice crystals that then fall as precipitation.
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