Delhi's Air Pollution Plagued by Experimental Cloud Seeding Technique.
The Indian capital has been plagued with severe air pollution for over a decade, earning it the title of the world's most polluted city. As a result, officials have turned to an experimental technique called cloud seeding in hopes of bringing much-needed rain to alleviate the crisis.
Cloud seeding involves using aircraft or drones to inject particles into clouds that contain silver iodide, which can alter the structure of the clouds and encourage precipitation. The plan was first proposed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) this year but was put on hold due to unpredictable weather conditions in India's capital.
However, days after Delhi's air quality once again deteriorated post-Diwali celebrations, the government announced that it would finally proceed with the scheme. The trial flight took place on Thursday, during which seeding flares were launched into the sky. According to officials, if favorable conditions persist, Delhi can expect its first artificial rain by October 29.
While cloud seeding may seem like a promising solution, experts have expressed skepticism about its effectiveness. It is not considered a panacea for air pollution and does not address the root causes of pollutants. Moreover, it relies on the presence of clouds, which are often absent over Delhi during winter when pollution peaks.
Critics argue that this gimmick disregards scientific ethics and ignores the need for more substantial measures to combat pollution. Two professors at Delhi's Centre for Atmospheric Sciences have condemned the plan as a "textbook case" of misapplying science for short-term gains.
They warn of the long-term effects of repeated use of chemicals in cloud seeding, such as silver iodide or sodium chloride, on agriculture and human health, labeling it as a "snake-oil solution." Delhi's pollution levels have been rising by 6% this year, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels far exceeding those seen during the infamous Beijing airpocalypse in 2013.
The plan to introduce cloud seeding is an attempt to alleviate Delhi's persistent air pollution crisis, but experts caution that more substantial efforts are needed to address the root causes of pollutants and ensure sustainable solutions for a healthier environment.
The Indian capital has been plagued with severe air pollution for over a decade, earning it the title of the world's most polluted city. As a result, officials have turned to an experimental technique called cloud seeding in hopes of bringing much-needed rain to alleviate the crisis.
Cloud seeding involves using aircraft or drones to inject particles into clouds that contain silver iodide, which can alter the structure of the clouds and encourage precipitation. The plan was first proposed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) this year but was put on hold due to unpredictable weather conditions in India's capital.
However, days after Delhi's air quality once again deteriorated post-Diwali celebrations, the government announced that it would finally proceed with the scheme. The trial flight took place on Thursday, during which seeding flares were launched into the sky. According to officials, if favorable conditions persist, Delhi can expect its first artificial rain by October 29.
While cloud seeding may seem like a promising solution, experts have expressed skepticism about its effectiveness. It is not considered a panacea for air pollution and does not address the root causes of pollutants. Moreover, it relies on the presence of clouds, which are often absent over Delhi during winter when pollution peaks.
Critics argue that this gimmick disregards scientific ethics and ignores the need for more substantial measures to combat pollution. Two professors at Delhi's Centre for Atmospheric Sciences have condemned the plan as a "textbook case" of misapplying science for short-term gains.
They warn of the long-term effects of repeated use of chemicals in cloud seeding, such as silver iodide or sodium chloride, on agriculture and human health, labeling it as a "snake-oil solution." Delhi's pollution levels have been rising by 6% this year, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels far exceeding those seen during the infamous Beijing airpocalypse in 2013.
The plan to introduce cloud seeding is an attempt to alleviate Delhi's persistent air pollution crisis, but experts caution that more substantial efforts are needed to address the root causes of pollutants and ensure sustainable solutions for a healthier environment.
. Like, I get why they're trying everything at this point, but 6% increase in pollution isn't exactly a drop in the bucket, right? 
And what's up with experts being all skeptical about it? Are they just trying to rain on their parade (pun intended) 
? It's like, can't we just try something new for once without everyone freaking out? 
. I mean, we've been hearing about it since last year and still no concrete results. It's like they're throwing good money after bad hoping to magically solve our pollution problem 
. And don't even get me started on the so-called "experts" who are just trying to sound good by trashing this approach 
. We need real solutions, not some gimmick that's gonna get us nowhere. The root cause of our pollution problem still remains unsolved, and until we address that, all this cloud seeding nonsense is just a waste of resources 
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It's all just a bunch of trial and error with some scientists and politicians making stuff up as they go along... meanwhile, we're still breathing in that toxic air like it's nothing 
it reminds me of when I used to live in Beijing back in 2008... the smog was crazy 
. Now, this cloud seeding thingy is supposed to help? Idk, it sounds like a bit of a gimmick to me 
It's like they're trying to fix the symptoms instead of the problem 
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. We didn't have all these fancy gadgets and tech to deal with air quality. We just knew that if it was bad outside, you had to stay inside 
. Nowadays, it's like they're throwing a bunch of chemicals at the problem without thinking about the long-term effects 
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when air quality was better and people actually cared about the environment 
. Cloud seeding might seem like a nice idea, but I think they should be looking for more substantial solutions to address the root causes of pollution 
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. This isn't a solution to the problem, it's just a band-aid on a bullet wound. What about all the other stuff that's causing pollution in the first place? Like, have they even considered reducing emissions or something?
. I mean, what's next? Are they gonna try to create a storm with some magic potion?
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. I'm not saying it can't help at all, but 6% increase in pollution this year? That's still super bad 
. And what about the chemicals they're using? Silver iodide and sodium chloride? Those are basically industrial waste products 
. We need to focus on reducing emissions, improving public transport, and promoting eco-friendly practices, not just tinkering with the weather like a video game 
. This gimmick might bring some short-term relief, but it's not going to solve the problem 
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Plus, who needs all that pollution ruining everything anyway? It's like, we can just create our own rain and be done with it 
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. Maybe cloud seeding is actually a good idea? Maybe it'll work out in the end and we'll have some nice, clean rain to go with our fancy new climate system... 
Yeah, that sounds about right to me 
. I know the government wants something to be done, but shouldn't we be looking at ways to reduce pollution in the first place? Like, have they thought about making more people use public transport or cycling instead of driving 
? I just don't think relying on chemicals and technology is going to cut it in the long run. And what's with all these skeptics saying it's not a real solution? Shouldn't we be listening to them too? 
, but come on scientists are warning about the long-term effects and it's like ignoring all that...it's just so frustrating. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for october 29 tho maybe some artificial rain will be just what delhi needs 
. These experts are saying it's just a temporary fix and doesn't address the root of the problem which is like, our daily habits and stuff... I'm all for innovation, but can't we try something more substantial? Like, have you seen the stats on how much pollution is rising each year? 6% is crazy! 
