IIT Kanpur researchers say Delhi-NCR's toxic air can be washed down for just Rs. 3 crore

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur have developed a new method to wash down Delhi-NCR’s toxic air for a mere Rs. 3 crore. The method, called cloud seeding, involves spraying tiny particles of silver iodide into the air, which causes water droplets in the clouds to condense and form rain.

Cloud seeding is a widely used technique to induce rainfall, but it has never been used to wash down toxic air before. The IIT Kanpur researchers have developed a special type of cloud seeding agent that is specifically designed to capture and remove pollutants from the air.

The researchers have conducted several successful experiments in the laboratory, and they are now planning to conduct large-scale field trials in Delhi-NCR. If the trials are successful, cloud seeding could be used to provide a quick and temporary solution to Delhi-NCR’s air pollution problem.

IIT Kanpur researchers say Delhi-NCR's toxic air can be washed down for just Rs. 3 crore

How does cloud seeding work?

Cloud seeding works by introducing small particles into the atmosphere to act as nuclei for water droplets to form on. These particles, called cloud seeding agents, can be made from a variety of materials, including silver iodide, dry ice, and liquid nitrogen.

When cloud seeding agents are sprayed into the air, they attract water molecules and form ice crystals. These ice crystals then grow and eventually become large enough to fall to the ground as rain.

How can cloud seeding be used to wash down toxic air?

The IIT Kanpur researchers have developed a special type of cloud seeding agent that is specifically designed to capture and remove pollutants from the air. This agent is made of a mixture of silver iodide and a special type of polymer.

When this agent is sprayed into the air, it attracts water molecules and pollutants alike. The pollutants then become trapped in the ice crystals that form on the cloud seeding agent. These ice crystals then fall to the ground as rain, taking the pollutants with them.

Benefits of using cloud seeding to wash down toxic air

There are several benefits to using cloud seeding to wash down toxic air:

  • It is a relatively inexpensive method.
  • It can be used to cover a large area quickly and efficiently.
  • It is a temporary solution, so it can be used to provide relief from air pollution during periods of high pollution levels.

Challenges of using cloud seeding to wash down toxic air

There are also some challenges to using cloud seeding to wash down toxic air:

  • It is not a permanent solution to air pollution.
  • It is not always effective. The success of cloud seeding depends on a number of factors, including the type of clouds present, the wind conditions, and the temperature.
  • It can have unintended consequences, such as causing flooding or disrupting weather patterns.

Conclusion

Cloud seeding is a new and promising method for washing down toxic air in Delhi-NCR. It is relatively inexpensive, quick, and efficient. However, it is important to note that cloud seeding is not a permanent solution to air pollution. It is also important to conduct further research to ensure that cloud seeding does not have any unintended consequences.