IIT Kanpur Successfully Conducts Artificial Rain Test
IIT Kanpur, renowned for its dedication to research and innovation, has achieved a major breakthrough in the realm of weather modification. Following years of dedicated efforts, scientists at the institute have successfully conducted a cloud seeding test to induce artificial rain.
This significant achievement holds the potential to address water scarcity in drought-prone regions of Uttar Pradesh, bringing hope to agricultural communities in those areas. The success of the cloud seeding experiment paves the way for the possibility of creating much-needed rainfall in regions that often face water shortages.
PROJECT UNDER WORK SINCE 2017
Initiated by IIT Kanpur in 2017, the project faced several hurdles, including delays in obtaining necessary permissions. However, with meticulous preparations and thorough evaluations, the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ultimately granted permission for the test flight.
The state government had already given its consent for the cloud seeding trial, providing the necessary groundwork for this crucial experiment. A Cessna aircraft took off from IIT Kanpur’s airstrip during the test, reaching an altitude of 5000 feet.
Utilizing cloud seeding technology, the aircraft released chemical powder into the clouds, stimulating the formation of raindrops. Subsequently, rainfall was observed in the surrounding areas, providing validation for the effectiveness of the artificial rain technique.
While China had previously developed this technology and withheld it from India, scientists at IIT Kanpur took it upon themselves to explore and cultivate the required expertise. After six years of unwavering research, they succeeded in generating artificial rain through cloud seeding. Importantly, the employed technology is anticipated to have no detrimental effects on the environment, presenting a sustainable solution to challenges related to water scarcity.
HOW IT CAN HELP DROUGHT-PRONE AREAS
The breakthrough in cloud seeding technology holds great promise for regions like Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh, which have long grappled with drought. Through the creation of artificial clouds and the induction of rainfall, this technique has the potential to bring significant relief to drought-stricken areas.
While the recent test flight is a notable milestone, further assessments and evaluations by the regulatory agency, DGCA, are necessary to determine the feasibility of conducting more extensive trials.
Nonetheless, the success achieved at IIT Kanpur instills new hope for addressing water scarcity issues and mitigating the impacts of smog in cities such as Delhi.
Professor Manindra Agarwal, an esteemed faculty member at IIT Kanpur, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “This success is a testament to the unwavering efforts and dedication of our team. We firmly believe that artificial rain can have a profound impact on water availability and agricultural productivity in drought-prone regions.”
The potential of artificial rain technology extends beyond regional water management, as it can also offer solutions for addressing urban smog conditions. In fact, IIT Kanpur had previously devised a project aimed at creating artificial rain in Delhi, presenting a potential approach to tackle the city’s air pollution challenges
