“IIT-Kanpur’s Artificial Rain Innovation Takes Aim at Delhi’s Pollution Woes”
Delhi’s battle against air pollution might soon have a new ally in the form of “artificial rain” developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. In a five-year endeavor, IIT-Kanpur has pioneered a groundbreaking solution that could bring respite to the National Capital Region (NCR). The use of cloud seeding technology to induce artificial rain aims to clear pollutants and dust from the capital’s skies. But, can this innovative approach really be the silver bullet Delhi needs to breathe easy?
Clearing the Air with Artificial Rain
IIT-Kanpur’s brainchild, “artificial rain,” involves the manipulation of weather conditions through cloud seeding. Successful trials in July garnered necessary approvals from authorities like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). However, it’s not as simple as pressing a button – creating artificial rain depends on specific meteorological conditions. Adequate cloud moisture and suitable winds are vital elements for success. The jury is still out on whether this method can be reliably deployed in the pre-winter months and on a large scale.
Delhi’s air quality often plunges into the “severe plus” category, necessitating stringent measures. The potential benefits of artificial rain are not to be taken lightly. This innovative approach could offer temporary relief for up to a week, providing the NCR’s beleaguered residents a much-needed respite from the persistent problem of poor air quality.
The World Bank’s Climate Fund:
: In another development, a new climate fund aims to assist countries ravaged by climate-related disasters. This “loss and damage” fund has faced hurdles in determining funding sources and its location. A special UN committee recently recommended the World Bank to serve as trustee and host of the fund. However, this choice has stirred controversy, with concerns about donor countries wielding outsized influence and high fees for recipient nations.
To address these concerns, the World Bank will serve as the interim trustee and host for a four-year period. Some countries, like Germany, have expressed their willingness to contribute to the fund, while others remain skeptical, viewing it as a setback for climate justice. The unresolved issue of whether wealthier nations will be obligated to contribute financially looms large.
As the global community grapples with the escalating climate crisis, the success of IIT-Kanpur’s artificial rain technology and the future of the World Bank-hosted climate fund will be closely watched. Both innovations represent significant steps toward mitigating the environmental challenges that our world faces.n
