Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘severe’ phase with Air Quality index 670 on November 9 (according to the report of Delhi Air Pollution Board). South and West Delhi areas are the most polluted this morning. But Delhi was not always like this Those who have been living in Delhi for decades may know that 20-22 years ago, blue skies were visible at the beginning of winter. The golden sun spread across the city was a sign that winter had arrived. Vehicular emissions, construction dust and smoke from farm fires are three major contributing factors to Delhi’s air pollution. This year, the percentage of PM2.5 in PM10 crossed 50 percent. Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai on November 9 (wednesday) announced that the national capital will try to induce artificial rain to tackle rising pollution.
High pollution levels are already prevalent in many parts of the city. Diwali approaching in the next few days. This hazardous situation is expected to intensify, posing greater risks to the elderly population and children. Gopal Rai announced on Monday that schools in Delhi will remain completely closed till November 18 (Saturday).
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday called a meeting with all ministers to discuss the air pollution problem. It is said that the meeting will be held at the Delhi Secretariat at 12:30 PM.
Not only that, Gopal Rai is going to take several strict measures to prevent pollution.
App-based taxis have already been banned from entering Delhi following Supreme Court orders.
Anticipating a further deterioration in air quality after Diwali, Gopal Rai on Monday announced about ‘flagship scheme’, which will allow vehicles to ply on alternate days based on odd or even last digits of their registration numbers, may be implemented from November 13. On odd days, only vehicles with license plates ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will be allowed, while on even days, vehicles ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 will be allowed to drive.
Delhi Environment Minister held a meeting on November 8, with a team from IIT Kanpur to discuss the possibility of artificial rainfall through cloud seeding to reduce AQI in the city. The Delhi state government is making plan to start ‘artificial rainfall’ in Delhi from November 20-21 to provide relief to residents due to sharp AQI. The Delhi government has now asked the IIT team for a detailed plan. They will submit this plan to the Supreme Court on Friday. Delhi government and Center will take steps to implement this plan if the Supreme Court gives permission.
About Artificial Rain
Artificial rainfall is a scientific effect on nature to force the rain down! For this, the cloud must first be created. Then these clouds have to condense and bring them to the conditions suitable for precipitation and finally the rain is shed. However, artificial precipitation is usually caused by turning clouds floating in the sky into water droplets.
Cloud seeding uses common chemicals such as silver iodide, potassium iodide or dry ice or solid carbon dioxide. Liquefied propane gas is also used. This gas can form ice crystals at higher temperatures than silver iodide. sodium chloride or table salt is now being used for this purpose as it is very cheap and effective.
It is possible to increase the annual average rainfall by 10%-20% through artificial rainfall in any one area. Precipitation through cloud seeding can help remove particles and pollutants from the air. Cloud seeding can help disperse smog and fog, making the air cleaner and more breathable. Artificial rain can also benefit agriculture by providing much-needed moisture to crops. This can help reduce the use of irrigation water.
Preparation
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and this project has been working on creating the necessary conditions for artificial rain for more than five years and conducted successful tests in July.
IIT kanpur explained that cloud seeding can only be attempted when there are clouds or moisture in the atmosphere.Rai expressed that obtaining permissions from both the central and state governments to use this technology is a time-sensitive matter.
Suitable weather conditions are required for the implementation of artificial rain. This artificial precipitation is possible in the presence of clouds with sufficient moisture and suitable winds.
It requires multiple approvals from the Home Ministry and the Special Security are required for Experts shared a presentation about Artificial rains production.
Gopal Rai requested experts of IIT- kanpur to prepare a detailed presentation outlining various facets such as implementation.
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