Delhi is poised to conduct its first-ever cloud seeding operation today, October 29, 2025, pending favorable weather conditions. This initiative marks a significant step in the capital's ongoing battle against air pollution.
The decision to proceed with cloud seeding follows a test run conducted on Thursday. The exercise involved an aircraft flying a route from Kanpur to Delhi, via Meerut, Khekra, Burari, Sadakpur, Bhojpur and Aligarh, to evaluate its cloud seeding capabilities and overall preparedness. During the test, silver iodide and sodium chloride were released, compounds used to induce artificial rain. However, due to limited moisture in the air, less than 20%, no rain occurred. Cloud seeding typically requires moisture levels of up to 50% to be effective.
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to enhance a cloud's ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into certain types of subfreezing clouds. Substances like silver iodide, potassium iodide, sodium chloride, or dry ice are dispersed into clouds using aircraft. These particles act as cloud condensation nuclei, prompting supercooled water droplets in the clouds to freeze. As the ice crystals grow, they coalesce and fall as rain or snow. Cloud seeding cannot create clouds; it can only work when naturally formed clouds with sufficient moisture are already present.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has expressed optimism about the project, stating that preparations have been completed to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding, calling it a significant technological milestone. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts had indicated a likelihood of cloudy skies over the city on October 29, increasing the chances of a successful cloud seeding operation. However, weather forecasts now predict partly cloudy skies.
While the government is enthusiastic about cloud seeding, some experts remain skeptical. Two professors at Delhi’s Centre for Atmospheric Sciences have criticized the plan as a "gimmick". They argue that it represents a misapplication of science and raises ethical concerns. They also cautioned about the limited research into the long-term effects of chemicals like silver iodide and sodium chloride on agriculture and human health.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the timing of the cloud seeding operation, as the post-monsoon season typically lacks rain-bearing clouds. Experts have pointed out that any rain produced through seeding would only offer short-term relief from pollution. Moreover, there could be accountability risks if cloud seeding coincides with flooding or extreme rainfall.
Despite the criticisms, the Delhi government is proceeding with the plan, hoping to provide some respite from the hazardous air quality that has plagued the city, particularly after the Diwali festival. On Monday, Delhi's air quality remained in the "very poor" category, with some localities recording "severe" air quality. The success of the cloud seeding operation remains to be seen, but it underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to address Delhi's persistent air pollution crisis.
