Delhi to Conduct Five Artificial Rain Tests Amid Weather Conditions
Artificial Rain Testing in Delhi
In Delhi, authorities are set to carry out five tests for artificial rain, with each test scheduled on different days. Flights will be conducted for approximately one to one and a half hours to disperse chemicals into the clouds, as confirmed by an official on Monday.
The official mentioned that these tests could potentially take place within a week, depending on the weather conditions. "If the weather is favorable, we can conduct all five tests within a week or with a gap of one or two days. The schedule will depend on cloud availability," the official stated.
Artificial rain involves the technique of dispersing specific substances into clouds, which can lead to rainfall if other meteorological conditions are suitable.
An official from the environmental department informed that the locations for the tests have not yet been finalized. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is leading the project from planning to execution.
According to the official, the institute will select sites based on various scientific and logistical factors. Due to security and airspace restrictions, tests cannot be conducted within Lutyens' Delhi or near Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Given these constraints, the tests will be carried out in the outskirts of Delhi, where weather conditions will also play a crucial role. Each test will involve a plane flying for one to one and a half hours, with the exact schedule to be determined soon, and the first test is expected to occur by the end of May or in June.
As part of a new initiative to combat air pollution, the Delhi cabinet approved the proposal for five artificial rain tests on May 7, with a total project cost of ₹3.21 crore.
The budget includes ₹2.75 crore for the tests (₹55 lakh per test) and ₹66 lakh for other equipment and expenses. The government is currently in the process of obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from 13 key departments, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Defence, and the Airports Authority of India.