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News18
2 days ago
- Science
- News18
Delhi Set To 'Water Down' Pollution Problem, First Artificial Rain Pilot To Take Off Soon
Last Updated: The pilot project will be executed in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, which will provide all the scientific, technical, and operational support for this intervention The Delhi government is ready to commence an artificial rain pilot project with all necessary scientific systems and clearances in place to fight the capital's persistent air pollution problem. The cloud seeding flights will start as soon as suitable weather conditions—especially cloud moisture and depth—are observed over targeted zones, the Delhi government announced on Wednesday. The pilot—"Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation"—will be executed in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, which will provide all the scientific, technical, and operational support for this intervention. In addition, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also formally conveyed its support for the project, confirming meteorological feasibility over the National Capital Region (NCR). The IMD also agreed to provide real-time data on cloud type, altitude, wind conditions, and dew point to aid planning. Cloud Seeding: The Science and Process For the artificial rains, IIT Kanpur will deploy specially equipped Cessna aircraft with flare-based seeding systems using a proprietary formulation made of silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. A maximum of five sorties are planned, with each flight covering 100 sq km and lasting at least 1 hour and 30 minutes over non-sensitive zones of northwest and outer Delhi, excluding restricted airspace. Final flight plan clearance is still pending and will be needed and obtained later. Real-time impact on air quality (PM2.5 and PM10) will be measured using Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) placed in and around the seeding zones. IIT Kanpur has already conducted seven successful in-house cloud seeding experiments between April and July in drought-prone regions using the same aircraft and flare systems. 'This pilot project in Delhi builds on those trials with a specific focus on pollution mitigation. The idea is not just to induce rain but to evaluate if such precipitation meaningfully reduces particulate matter concentration in ambient air. The project will contribute to a body of evidence for potential future use in other polluted urban regions," the government said. Nimbostratus (Ns) clouds are the most suitable for seeding experiments, usually between 500 and 6,000 metres above ground level. Clouds will have 50% or higher moisture content. IIT Kanpur has developed a custom seeding mixture containing pure nanoparticles of silver iodide, powdered rock salt, iodised salt, and a free-flowing agent that combines hygroscopic and glaciogenic cloud-seeding capabilities. Seeding mixture requirements will vary according to moisture content. The total estimated cost of the pilot project is Rs 3.21 crore and is being fully funded by Delhi's Department of Environment. This initiative underscores Delhi's resolve to harness cutting-edge science to deliver cleaner air and a healthier environment for its residents. 'Right to Clean Air' Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said when they speak about 'Right to Clean Air", they mean it. 'From anti-smog guns and sprinklers to strict dust mitigation norms at construction sites, we are pushing every boundary… This pilot project is not just about artificial rain; it's about scientific courage and environmental justice," he said. top videos View All The minister said all preparations are complete except a few minor operational clearances. 'Now, we're just waiting for the right clouds to appear. The moment the weather cooperates, Delhi will witness its first artificial rain. We are not just fighting pollution—we are building a blueprint for the future," he said. About the Author Nivedita Singh tags : air pollution artificial rain cloud seeding delhi Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 19, 2025, 00:25 IST News cities Delhi Set To 'Water Down' Pollution Problem, First Artificial Rain Pilot To Take Off Soon
Time of India
2 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
‘All clearances in place for artificial rain pilot'
New Delhi: Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday said the artificial rain pilot is ready for execution, with all scientific systems and clearances in place. He mentioned that the cloud seeding flights will commence when suitable weather conditions—especially cloud moisture and depth—are observed over targeted zones. "All preparations are complete except for a few minor operational clearances. Now, we're just waiting for the right clouds to appear. The moment the weather cooperates, Delhi will witness its first artificial rain. This is a national-first experiment rooted in science, executed with military-grade precision, and evaluated in real time," Sirsa said. India Meteorological Department has confirmed cloud feasibility and will provide real-time data on cloud type, altitude, wind conditions, and dew point to aid planning. As the pilot project will be executed in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, the institute will deploy specially equipped Cessna aircraft with flare-based seeding systems using a proprietary formulation made of Silver Iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. A maximum of five sorties are planned, with each flight covering 100 sq km and lasting at least 1 hour and 30 minutes over non-sensitive zones of northwest and outer Delhi. "Flights will avoid restricted airspace such as VIP-89 (Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament, PM residence), as per standard aviation protocol. However, real-time impact on air quality (PM2.5 and PM10) will be measured using Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) placed in and around the seeding zones," Sirsa added. TNN
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
PM Modi inaugurates Unit I of Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited's Ghatampur Thermal Power Project
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 30, 2025) dedicated Unit I of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project in Kanpur Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh to the nation. The project, inaugurated by the Prime Minister on Friday, was developed by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL), a joint venture of NLC India Limited (51%) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) (49%). According to a NLCIL press release, the project comprises three supercritical thermal power units of 660 MW each, adding up to a substantial 1,980 MW of installed capacity. This initiative aims to meet the growing electricity demand in Uttar Pradesh and other States, enhancing energy security, while aligning with the nation's commitment to sustainable and reliable power generation. The project cost is ₹21,780.94 crore, and the remaining two units of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project are expected to be commissioned in 2025-26. A total of 998.81 hectares of land was acquired for its development. Project features According to NLCIL, the project has several advanced environmental technologies, including Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) technologies for reducing NOx and (SOx) emissions, respectively. The project also includes a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system in place to ensure no water is discharged from the plant. A total of 288 km of canal lining works are being undertaken to conserve 195 MLD of water by preventing seepage losses. The project is equipped with sophisticated monitoring devices, including Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS).
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ghatampur thermal power project a landmark achievement: PM
1 2 Kanpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated Unit-1 (660MW) of Ghatampur Thermal Power Project and termed it as a landmark achievement. The project is a flagship initiative by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL), a collaboration of NLC India Limited (51%) and UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) (49%). Chairman, MD NUPPL Prasanna Kumar Motupalli stated that the project has three units of 660 MW each of which, the first operating unit, commissioned in Dec 2024, was dedicated on Friday. Remaining two units are likely to be commissioned by Dec 2025. The power purchase agreement (PPA) has been made for 1487.28 MW, i.e. 75.12% of the power generated with Uttar Pradesh and 492.72 MW, i.e. 24.88% with Assam subject to actual transfer of 20% equity share of UPRVUNL in NUPPL in favour of Assam govt. With advanced technologies like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) for reducing NOx and (SOx) emissions, respectively and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system, the plant would play a significant role in power production in the state, he said. It also has sophisticated monitoring devices, including Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), he added. CEO NUPPL S Durai Kumar and chief financial officer Ashok Kumar Mani were also present.
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Dedicates to the Nation- Unit-1 (660 MW) of Ghatampur Thermal Power Project
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today dedicated Unit-1(660 MW) of Ghatampur Thermal Power Project (3x660 MW) in Kanpur Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, to the Nation, marking a landmark achievement in India's energy sector. This ambitious Power Project is a flagship initiative by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL), a collaboration of NLC India Limited (51%) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) (49%). The project comprises three supercritical thermal power units of 660 MW each, adding up to a substantial 1,980 MW of installed capacity. This initiative aims to meet the growing electricity demand in Uttar Pradesh and other states, enhancing energy security while aligning with the Nation's commitment to sustainable and reliable power generation. With a total project cost of ₹21,780.94 crore, remaining two units of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project are expected to be commissioned by FY 2025-26. A total of 998.81 hectares of land was acquired for its development. The power purchase agreement (PPA) has been made for1487.28 MW i.e 75.12% of the power generated with Uttar Pradesh and 492.72 MW i.e 24.88% with Assam, subject to actual transfer of 20% equity share of UPRVUNL in NUPPL in favour of Govt. Of Assam. The Ghatampur Thermal Power Project has adopted advanced environmental technologies, including Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) technologies for reducing NOx and (SOx) emissions respectively. Furthermore, the project will have a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system in place to ensure no water is discharged from the plant. A total of 288 kilometers of canal lining works are being undertaken to conserve 195 MLD of water by preventing seepage losses. The project is equipped with sophisticated monitoring devices, including Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS). The coal-based supercritical boilers at the plant have a boiler efficiency of 88.81%, ensuring efficient energy generation. The coal stockyard capacity is designed to store 10.165 LMT of coal for 30 days of operation at full load for all three units. The plant's raw water reservoirs have a combined capacity of approximately 46 lakh cubic meters, split between two compartments. The plant features an advanced substation automation system and efficient power evacuation through a 765 kV GIS system. It also includes a captive coal block with a production capacity of 9 MTPA, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply for long-term operations. This state-of-the-art thermal power station reflects the Ministry's unwavering commitment to enhancing power availability, promoting sustainable development, and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Equipped with advanced technology and environmental safeguards, the project, is expected to generate large-scale direct/indirect employment and spur socio-economic development in the region. The inauguration of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi marks a transformative moment for the energy sector, particularly for Uttar Pradesh and other states. With its robust design, advanced emission control systems, and assured coal linkage, the project is poised to provide reliable and affordable power for years to come. The Ministry of Coal is committed to such initiatives, reaffirming the Government of India's resolve to build a self-reliant, energy-secure, and environmentally responsible future for the Thermal Power Project, Narendra Modi, supercritical thermal power, Uttar Pradesh energy, sustainable power generation, advanced emission control
