Overcoming another stepping stone, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur successfully conducted a test flight for cloud seeding or artificial rainfall, on June 22. Cloud seeding involves the use of chemical agents such as silver iodide, dry ice, and common salt to enhance the probability of precipitation.
The project was put in motion six years back, and is headed by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Kanpur.
For this trial run, a Cessna aircraft was flown from the IIT Kanpur lab airstrip to an approximate height of 5,000 ft. with cloud seeding attachments and successfully landed back.
The procurement processes was delayed due to coronavirus. However, after acquiring approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and successful completion of the first trial was conducted.
Moreover, the first trial did not fire flares into the clouds but assured that the department is ready to plan a cloud seeding project in the future. Also, seeding technology will help to create rainy conditions artificially and fight dry weather and air pollution.
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