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China has done cloud seeding 27,000 times: Can it be repeated in Delhi? Expert answers
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
As Delhi faces severe air pollution, experts consider cloud seeding for relief. China has conducted 27,000 operations since 2013, showing potential benefits but also risks.
Key points
- Delhi is considering cloud seeding as a temporary solution to air pollution.
- China has conducted nearly 27,000 cloud-seeding operations since 2013.
- Cloud seeding can increase rainfall and reduce PM2.5 pollution for up to 10 days.
- The technique involves releasing substances like silver iodide into clouds.
- Delhi's initial cloud seeding trials in October 2025 did not yield rainfall.
- Experts warn that cloud seeding may reduce precipitation in neighboring areas.
Key insights
- Cloud seeding may offer a short-term solution but cannot replace long-term pollution regulations.
- The effectiveness of cloud seeding in Delhi remains uncertain after previous failed trials.
- Increased rainfall in one area could lead to drought in neighboring regions.
Why it matters
Cloud seeding could provide temporary relief from air pollution in Delhi, impacting public health.
Tags
Entities
Delhi· CityChina· CountryMichael Greenstone· PersonIIT Kanpur· Organization
Source
India Today
