India government developing technology to control rain, weather: Report
Indian weather scientists are planning to develop the ability to control and enhance rainfall, hail, and lightning in specific areas within the next five years. This capability could allow cities like Delhi to suppress rainfall during events such as Independence Day celebrations through targeted interventions. "We want to go for initial experimental artificial rain suppression and enhancement," said M Ravichandran, secretary of the Earth Sciences Ministry (MoES).
Mission Mausam: India's initiative for weather control
The weather control project is part of the government's broader Mission Mausam initiative, which aims to improve India's weather forecasting systems. The goal is to increase short- and medium-range forecast accuracy by 5-10%. This mission seeks to make India climate-smart and weather-ready by ensuring that no weather phenomena, including cloud bursts, go undetected.
Artificial weather modification techniques under exploration
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other institutions under the MoES will develop and launch "Mausam GPT," a chatbot application similar to ChatGPT. This app will provide users with quick weather-related information in both written and audio formats over the next five years. Techniques for rain suppression and enhancement, such as cloud seeding using aircraft, are already employed in a limited capacity in countries like the US, Canada, China, Russia, and Australia.
Government funding and key components of Mission Mausam
The government has initially allocated ₹2,000 crore over two years for Mission Mausam, aimed at enhancing India's forecasting system to better manage the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change. Additional funds will be provided as the mission progresses. Key components of the mission include the installation of next-generation radars and satellite systems equipped with advanced sensors, high-performance supercomputers, and the development of enhanced earth system models.
India's exploration of artificial rain-making techniques
India is also exploring artificial rain-making techniques, including cloud seeding with aircraft. Pilot projects have been conducted in Maharashtra and other locations to study cloud microphysical characteristics through the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) research program. "Cloud seeding and cloud modification is a complex process," said Madhavan Rajeevan, former MoES secretary.
