IIT Kanpur's Cloud Seeding: 'Short-Term Fix, Not A Permanent Solution' For Delhi's Winter Pollution

This special report examines IIT Kanpur's cloud seeding project, a scientific experiment to combat Delhi's severe winter air pollution by inducing artificial rain. The speaker from IIT Kanpur states, 'It is but a band-aid or perhaps a temporary respite from pollution, not a solution to pollution.' The discussion covers the technology, which is now indigenously developed, and its potential cost of up to ₹25 crore for a full winter season. It also addresses public health concerns, asserting that the concentration of chemicals like silver iodide is too low to cause harm. The project is presented as a necessary, albeit temporary, measure for emergency 'SOS' situations while long-term solutions to pollution sources are sought, acknowledging that the jury is still out on its overall cost-effectiveness.