Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra says rain is unlikely to wash away severe pollution
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims·
Meteorological limitations and cloud seeding efficacy: a GS3 Environment and Disaster Management case study.
Why in news
IMD Chief Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that a Western Disturbance is unlikely to provide the widespread rainfall needed to clear severe pollution in the Indo-Gangetic plains
Background
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that while a Western Disturbance will bring rain/snow to Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, it will not provide significant precipitation in Delhi or the northern plains. This lack of rainfall is expected to render cloud seeding plans by IIT Kanpur less effective due to unsuitable cloud types.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceWestern Disturbance: A moisture-laden weather pattern emerging from the Mediterranean Sea affecting the Indian subcontinent.
- FactIMD Chief: Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
- PlaceIndo-Gangetic Plain: Region experiencing hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels due to calm winds and cooler temperatures.
Prelims practice question
Which region is experiencing hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels due to calm winds and cooler temperatures?
- (a)Thar Desert
- (b)Deccan Plateau
- (c)Malabar Coast
- (d)Indo-Gangetic Plain
Show answer
Answer: (d) Indo-Gangetic Plain — The note identifies the Indo-Gangetic Plain as the region experiencing hazardous AQI levels.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the limitations of meteorological interventions like cloud seeding in mitigating severe air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Meteorological constraints: Ineffectiveness of cloud seeding during specific atmospheric conditions and cloud types.
- Pollution dynamics: Impact of calm winds and cooler temperatures on trapping pollutants near the surface.
- Policy trade-offs: Reliance on short-term weather-based interventions versus long-term structural emission controls.
Keywords: Western Disturbance · Cloud Seeding · Indo-Gangetic Plain · Air Quality Index · Atmospheric Conditions
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Madras High Court reserves order on NGT ban on constructions near Pallikaranai marshland · 12 November 2026
- Delhi air quality worse before Diwali than in 2025, CSE report finds · 12 November 2026
- Delhi air quality hits 'very poor' as transport sector leads pollution surge · 11 November 2026
- Andhra Pradesh doubles award share to 25% after clearing 153 lakh tonnes of waste · 11 November 2026
- Firecrackers accounted for 71.1% of Delhi air pollution load on Monday · 11 November 2026
- Tamil Nadu to meet Sivakasi firecracker manufacturers to promote green crackers and reduce emissions · 11 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.