Context:
Recently, India announced a plan to build a ‘Cloud Chamber’ to study artificial rain under Mission Mausam
About the Cloud Chamber
- A cloud chamber resembles a closed cylindrical or tubular drum, inside which water vapour, aerosols, etc. are injected. Under the desired humidity and temperature inside this chamber, a cloud can be developed.
- It will be established at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune.
- The Pune facility will allow scientists to study the seed particles that form cloud droplets or ice particles in a sustained manner, thus allowing scientists to simulate cloud formation and conduct experiments to modify weather patterns.
- Many countries have basic cloud chambers with limited functionality. Through Mission Mausam, India is developing a convective cloud chamber tailored to study monsoon clouds—one of only a few globally.
India’s Previous experience with cloud seeding:
- The Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) program was one such experiment, conducted in four phases and lasting more than a decade.
- In the final phase of experiments conducted in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, cloud seeding demonstrated the potential to enhance rainfall by up to 46% in certain areas.
- Overall, the process increased rainfall by approximately 18% across a 100-square-kilometer region downwind from the seeding site.
Other Key Developments under Mission Mausam:
Network of Radars: India plans to deploy a network of 100 radars by March 2026 to improve weather observation across the country. Currently, 39 radars are operational, with plans to add 61 radars (S-band, C-band and X-band) with varying detection ranges.
- S-band radars have a detection range of 400 km,
- the range for the C-band is up to 200 km,
- while it is 100 km for the X-band.
- At present, India has a radar at every 432 km in comparison to the US, which has one at every 150 km.
Investment in Technology: The Rs 2,000 crore Mission Mausam will enhance India’s weather preparedness and climate adaptation. It will include the addition of Vertical Wind Profiles and radiometers to gather crucial atmospheric data.
Improved Forecasting: The mission will provide better city-level weather forecasts with improved spatial resolution. It seeks to issue Nowcast warnings for rains just an hour in advance, significantly enhancing early warning systems.
Integration of AI: The initiative will incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to improve weather modelling and air quality forecasts, ensuring that forecasts are more accurate and accessible to the public.
Significance of the Mission
- Mission Mausam will benefit sectors like agriculture, disaster management, defense, environment, aviation, water resources, shipping, transport, energy etc. by providing accurate weather and spatial information.
- It will also support data-driven decision-making in urban planning, transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring.