A cloud-seeding trial to trigger artificial rainfall over Delhi has been successfully completed, multiple reports suggest. The aircraft used for the operation has safely landed after conducting the first phase of the weather-modification exercise.
If weather conditions remain favourable, officials said a second flight may take off soon in case the initial attempt fails to produce rain.
Cloud seeding involves adding chemicals such as silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and dry ice into the atmosphere to induce precipitation. The technique is commonly used worldwide to increase rainfall, reduce hail, or disperse fog—and is now being deployed to help Delhi fight its annual smog crisis.
Why Delhi Is Turning to Artificial Rain
The national capital’s air quality has plunged once again into the ‘very poor’ category. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi averaged 306, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Monitoring stations recorded the following AQI readings: Anand Vihar (321), RK Puram (320), Siri Fort (350), Bawana (336), Burari Crossing (326), Dwarka Sector 8 (316), Mundka (324), Narela (303), and Punjabi Bagh (323).
“Delhi has remained India’s most polluted megacity through the winter of 2024–25,” said the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), citing an average PM2.5 level of 175 µg/m³—far above the safe limit.
A report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) revealed that Delhi’s air pollution cuts citizens’ life expectancy by nearly 12 years compared to WHO standards.
Government and IIT Kanpur Collaboration
To tackle the crisis, the Delhi government signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur on September 25 for five cloud seeding trials aimed at improving air quality.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already granted permission for the experiments to be carried out between October 1 and November 30.
Earlier, on May 7, the Delhi Cabinet approved ₹3.21 crore for the project, which is being conducted over northwest Delhi.
Despite delays caused by erratic weather and the extended monsoon, the initiative has finally begun after several postponements in May, June, August, September, and October.
“This is a significant step toward innovative pollution control. Cloud seeding could provide temporary relief while we work on long-term solutions,” an IIT Kanpur scientist told India Today.
What Cloud Seeding Means for Delhi
If successful, the artificial rainfall could settle airborne pollutants, lower PM2.5 levels, and offer temporary relief from toxic smog gripping the city.
Experts, however, caution that cloud seeding is not a permanent solution. “It can reduce pollution temporarily but won’t address the root causes like vehicular emissions, crop burning, and industrial output,” said an air quality analyst.
Still, the experiment marks a new phase in India’s battle against air pollution, combining science, innovation, and urgent necessity.
