DELHI'S FIRST CLOUD SEEDING TRIAL SPARKS DEBATE

Experts caution against long-term ecological impact of Delhi’s artificial rain initiative.

- TIKAM SHARMA

‘na landmark step tous combating air pollution, Delhi earlier this week successfully carried out its first-ever cloud seeding trial flight, marking asignificant milestone in the capital's efforts to explore artificial rain as an innovative solution toits recurring pollution crisis. However, environmental experts have expressed strong reservations about the initiative

The proving flight, jointly conducted by the Delhi Government’s Environment Department and IIT Kanpur, was aimed at testing the readiness of the aircraft, the functioning of cloud-seeding flares, and inter-agency coordination ahead of the large-scale operations scheduled between October 28 and 30.

Leading the initiative, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa hailed the trial as a major step forward in the city’s scientific approach toair quality management.

“I would like to thank Hon'ble Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for her leadership and Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his blessings, because of which all permissions for this novel effort were received in time,” Sirsa said.

“The flight was a success in every technical parameter. We have now completed all required trials, including flare tests, fitment checks, and coordination protocols.”