Delhi government plans artificial rain to combat "severe" air pollution after Diwali
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Cloud seeding as an environmental intervention: a GS3 Environment and Science & Technology case study.
Why in news
The Delhi government plans to use cloud seeding to induce artificial rain to combat 'severe' air pollution levels following Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Background
Delhi's AQI reached 367, with Jahangirpuri recording a peak of 459. The government conducted two trials of artificial rain near Delhi Airport at an altitude of 30,000 meters.
Facts for Prelims
- FactJahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI at 459 in Delhi.
- S&TCloud seeding involves adding substances like silver iodide and dry ice to clouds.
- FactArtificial rain trials were conducted at an altitude of 30,000 meters.
- PlaceTrials were conducted near Delhi Airport.
Prelims practice question
Which substance is involved in the process of cloud seeding as mentioned in the note?
- (a)Sodium chloride
- (b)Silver iodide
- (c)Potassium nitrate
- (d)Calcium carbonate
Show answer
Answer: (b) Silver iodide — Cloud seeding involves adding substances like silver iodide and dry ice to clouds.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the efficacy of cloud seeding as a measure to combat urban air pollution in Delhi. Does it address the root causes of atmospheric degradation?
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Technological limitation: Cloud seeding acts as a reactive measure rather than a proactive solution to source-based emissions.
- Source-point mitigation: Failure to address industrial and vehicular emissions leads to recurring seasonal pollution spikes.
- Environmental trade-offs: Potential ecological impacts of silver iodide and dry ice deposition on local ecosystems.
Keywords: Cloud Seeding · Air Quality Index · PM2.5 · Atmospheric Pollution · Source Mitigation
More Environment & Ecology notes
- UN Environment Programme: Chance of avoiding Paris Agreement warming overshoot is lost · 5 November 2026
- Delhi eyes May 2029 Yamuna cleanup with Swedish sewage sludge management expertise · 5 November 2026
- Noida and Faridabad among 4 cities failing to complete air pollution source apportionment studies · 5 November 2026
- Cyclone Arnab and Murasu cause 7 deaths and ₹4,526 crore damage in Andhra Pradesh · 5 November 2026
- Puducherry restricts firecracker bursting to two hours daily following Supreme Court directive · 4 November 2026
- Madras High Court stays 196-acre transfer to protect elephant migratory path and ecosystem · 4 November 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.