Govt may attempt cloud seeding today, Pg3.

Key Highlights:

• The Delhi government is considering cloud seeding on Tuesday if weather permits.
• Cloud seeding was postponed on Monday due to ministers' involvement in Chhath celebrations.
• Delhi's AQI was in the 'very poor' category at 301 on Monday, improving from 315 the previous day.
• Farm fires' contribution to PM 2.5 levels in Delhi is expected to rise to 5.87% by Wednesday.
• The first cloud seeding trial was conducted on October 23 with IIT Kanpur's help.

Detailed Insights:

• Cloud seeding aims to artificially induce rain by dispersing silver iodide over clouds.
• Delays in cloud seeding have occurred due to weather-related challenges this year in Delhi.
• Air quality in Delhi-NCR has been deteriorating since Diwali, raising concerns about pollution levels.
• The contribution of farm fires to Delhi's pollution was at 1.86% on Monday and is forecasted to increase.
• The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's Decision Support System forecasts increasing contribution of farm fires.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Cloud Seeding: A weather modification technique to increase precipitation by dispersing substances into the air.
• AQI (Air Quality Index): A measure of air quality based on pollutants like PM2.5, with higher values indicating poorer air quality.
• PM 2.5: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, a major air pollutant.