IIT Roorkee Develops Drone-Led Cloud Seeding Method for Artificial Rain

Scientists at IIT Roorkee have developed a drone-based system to improve artificial rainmaking through cloud seeding. The capability experimental trials were held in collaboration with AccelESG, a Hyderabad-based technology firm. In the early phase, researchers flew drones at an altitude of 100m to evaluate system stability, dispersal mechanisms and data-collection processes.

Calcium chloride, a hygroscopic compound that attracts and absorbs moisture from the surrounding air, was used by the researchers. This technology could help alleviate dry spells, improve soil moisture and decrease farmers' dependence on groundwater for irrigation. We have effectively achieved weather-modification results in the lab," said Professor A.S. Maurya, principal investigator from the institute's earth sciences department.

The team wants clearances from the Uttarakhand government, other regulatory agencies and local air traffic control authorities for conducting trials at higher altitudes. The permissions are significant for assessing the ability of drone-based cloud seeding under practical conditions, where clouds form at much greater heights.

Drone-assisted cloud seeding can address local agricultural challenges, mostly in regions with erratic rainfall. Drones enable precise targeting of cloud systems, reduce operational costs relative to aircraft-based seeding and facilitate the rapid disposition of short-lived clouds.

Using this system, rainfall can be induced over a 10km area via drone operations, making it a suitable method for district- or block-level agricultural interventions.

Additional trials and ongoing monitoring are important before this system is used in large-scale deployment. The initial results are promising for supplementing natural rainfall through scientific intervention.

Source: Times of India