How cloud seeding works to clean toxic air

Initiative part of govt's pollution-control plan to trigger artificial rain; however, experts say not a 'sustainable solution'

- PRABHAT SHUKLA @ New Delhi

DELHI on Tuesday carried out its first-ever cloud seeding trial in a bid to trigger artificial rain and bring temporary relief from the city's toxic post-Diwali smog. The experiment, conducted by a team of scientists and officials using aircraft over parts of the capital, is being closely watched as authorities explore whether artificial rain can help clean Delhi's air, even if for a short while.

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to induce rainfall from existing clouds by dispersing certain substances into the atmosphere. Typically, chemicals such as silver iodide, potassium iodide or salt particles are released through aircraft or rockets into moisture-laden clouds.

These particles act as nuclei around which water vapour condenses, forming droplets that can grow heavy enough to fall as rain.