Will artificial rain help reduce pollution in Delhi? IIT-Kanpur professor explains

The Delhi government plans to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding this month to combat air pollution in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday.

Rai held a meeting with scientists from IIT-Kanpur who explained that cloud seeding can only be attempted when there are clouds or moisture in the atmosphere.

"Experts anticipate that such conditions could develop around November 20-21. We have asked the scientists to prepare a proposal by Thursday that will be submitted to the Supreme Court," the minister told reporters.

Rai emphasised that obtaining the necessary clearances and permissions for using this technology from both the central and the state governments is a time-sensitive matter.

IIT-Kanpur professor Manindra Agrawal explained how the process helps in reducing pollution. He said that the artificial rain will help the dust to settle down and then flow away with the water making the air clean.

He, however, added that it is only a temporary solution that would last for a week or two and that pollution can only be tackled for a long term by action on the sources. 

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