New Delhi, September 1: As the winter season approaches, Delhi’s air quality is set to deteriorate once again, reaching alarming levels. In an effort to combat this perennial challenge, the Delhi government has urged the Centre to convene an urgent meeting to evaluate the feasibility of cloud seeding as a potential solution.
Cloud Seeding: How Does It Help In Combating Winter Air Pollution?
Cloud seeding, a weather modification technique that involves dispersing salt particles into clouds to induce rain, has been proposed as a means to wash away particulate matter and improve air quality. The Delhi government has already considered this approach as an emergency measure during previous episodes of hazardous air pollution.
While cloud seeding has shown some promise in improving air quality in certain regions, its effectiveness in combating Delhi’s severe pollution levels remains a subject of debate. Critics argue that the technique may have limited impact and could even exacerbate the problem if not implemented carefully.
Despite these concerns, the Delhi government believes that cloud seeding is worth exploring as a potential tool to mitigate the effects of winter air pollution. The government has already sought the expertise of IIT-Kanpur to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and potential benefits of this approach.
The proposed meeting with the Centre aims to bring together stakeholders from various government agencies, environmental experts, and meteorological experts to discuss the potential of cloud seeding and determine the best course of action.
The decision to implement cloud seeding will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including the availability of suitable weather conditions, the potential environmental impacts, and the cost-effectiveness of the technique. However, the Delhi government is committed to exploring all possible options to address the city’s chronic air pollution problem.
What Else Is Government Planning To Curb Pollution This Year?
In addition to cloud seeding, the Delhi government has also implemented several other measures to improve air quality, including:
- Vehicle Restrictions: Implementing odd-even traffic schemes and restricting the use of older, polluting vehicles.
- Construction Controls: Imposing restrictions on construction activities during periods of high pollution.
- Industrial Emissions: Enforcing stricter regulations on industrial emissions.
- Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the health hazards of air pollution and encouraging citizens to take steps to reduce their exposure.
While these measures have shown some positive results, more needs to be done to address Delhi’s air pollution crisis. Cloud seeding, if proven effective, could be a valuable tool in the fight against air pollution. However, it is important to approach this technique with caution and carefully consider its potential environmental impacts.
Ultimately, addressing Delhi’s air pollution problem will require a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that involves government action, public participation, and technological innovation. By working together, we can create a cleaner and healthier city for all.
