Delhi’s air quality index recently hit hazardous levels, surpassing 450, making it one of the world’s most polluted cities. The city was shrouded in smog for several consecutive days, severely affecting daily life. Schools switched to online classes, outdoor activities ceased, and emergency measures like vehicle restrictions and construction halts were enforced. The air became thick, visibility reduced, and health concerns soared. The air quality levels were not only alarming but also posed serious health risks for residents.
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Why Is This Happening?
Delhi's air pollution is the result of multiple factors. A significant portion comes from vehicle emissions, which heavily contribute to urban pollution. Industrial pollutants from factories and dust from construction sites further worsen the air quality, releasing fine particulate matter into the atmosphere. During the winter months, seasonal stubble burning in nearby states exacerbates the pollution levels. Coupled with unfavourable weather conditions, these pollutants get trapped near the ground, leading to severe smog episodes.
Cloud Seeding:The Proposed Solution
In response to the crisis, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai proposed an unconventional solution: cloud seeding, or artificial rain. Cloud seeding is a technique where substances like silver iodide or dry ice are introduced into clouds to promote rainfall. The idea is that this artificial rain could wash away pollutants from the air, offering temporary relief from the dangerous levels of particulate matter. IIT Kanpur has estimated the cost of implementing cloud seeding at approximately 1 lakh rupees per square kilometre, presenting it as a potential solution to Delhi’s pollution crisis.
While cloud seeding may sound like a promising solution, the science behind it is not as clear-cut. Some studies show modest increases in precipitation, but its true impact on air quality remains uncertain. The pollution in Delhi is not solely due to a lack of rain; it is the result of years of unchecked emissions from vehicles, industries, and agricultural practices such as stubble burning. No amount of artificial rain can resolve these underlying issues in the long term.
For cloud seeding to be effective, specific weather conditions are also required. There must be clouds with enough moisture for the technique to make a noticeable difference. Unfortunately, Delhi’s weather doesn’t always cooperate, which means the technique may not work during some pollution events. Moreover, concerns regarding the long-term environmental impact of cloud seeding persist. Although the particles used are generally considered safe, the cumulative effects on the atmosphere and ecosystem are not yet fully understood.
While cloud seeding might offer temporary relief, it is far from a permanent fix for Delhi’s pollution problem. Experts stress the importance of addressing the root causes of pollution, such as reducing emissions, improving pollution controls, and investing in cleaner technologies. Relying on artificial rain highlights the severity of the situation, but it also serves as a stark reminder that we need more sustainable solutions. The city’s pollution crisis cannot be solved through short-term fixes alone.
Delhi’s air quality crisis is an urgent call for comprehensive action. To protect the health of residents and ensure a sustainable future, we need effective strategies that go beyond temporary measures like cloud seeding.
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Dec 11, 2024
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