Pune/Solapur, July 30th, 2023: Scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) have achieved a significant milestone with their successful artificial rain experiments conducted in Solapur district. The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences in New Delhi has published the reports on these groundbreaking experiments, which revealed that spraying salt on specific clouds from airplanes can lead to a substantial increase in rainfall.
The CAIPEEX project, initiated by IITM in 2009, witnessed its fourth phase in 2018 and 2019, during which the first-ever artificial rain experiment was conducted in Solapur district. To conduct this ambitious endeavor, two planes were brought in from the United States. One plane was tasked with spraying salts on the clouds, while the second plane recorded the observations.
The scientists placed 130 rain gauges strategically across Solapur district to collect data on rainfall in different areas after the salt spraying. The experiments were carried out meticulously following the guidelines of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), employing radar, numerical models, and random sampling.
During the monsoon, specific clouds were selected for salt spraying, while others were left untreated for comparison. The results were remarkable – clouds with a certain percentage of water and moving upwards experienced a significant increase in rainfall. According to readings from 43 rain gauges, the percentage of rain increased by 46%, and the C Band radar recorded an 18% increase in rainfall over a 100 km area.
Each session of salt spraying from the airplanes resulted in an estimated 86.7 crore liters of water falling on the ground. Dr. R Krishnan, the Director of IITM, emphasized the importance of this achievement, especially for regions facing drought, as artificial rain can offer a viable solution to safeguard crops.
The study identified 267 clouds with a specific water percentage during the monsoon period, and 103 flights were conducted to study these clouds. In 145 clouds, calcium chloride was sprayed from the airplane, while 122 clouds remained untreated, allowing the second plane to study their reactions.
The successful completion of the fourth stage of the CAIPEEX project involved the participation of 25 senior scientists and researchers, underscoring its significance. The research findings of the team will soon be published in an international journal, further contributing to the understanding of Indian clouds and the science of augmenting artificial rain.
This groundbreaking achievement opens up new possibilities for innovative methods to address water scarcity and promote sustainable agricultural practices in rain-shadow regions across India. The potential of artificial rain offers hope for tackling water challenges and enhancing agricultural productivity in the country.
