Delhi is likely to experience cloud seeding within the next 2-3 days as air quality deteriorates ahead of Diwali. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that pilot training for cloud seeding has been completed. The government is prepared to conduct the exercise for three hours, pending favorable weather conditions and approval from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
This announcement comes as Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has fallen into the "poor" category, with a reading of 201 recorded early Wednesday. Anand Vihar was the most polluted area, with an AQI of 347, followed by Wazirpur at 296. The EWS forecast predicts that Delhi's AQI will reach 346 by Friday evening. Residents in polluted zones are advised to wear masks and stay indoors as much as possible. Health experts recommend avoiding outdoor activities like walking, jogging, or exercising due to the presence of toxic pollutants in the air.
Cloud seeding involves spraying particles into clouds to encourage the formation of ice crystals, which then attract moisture, condense, and fall as rain. The aim is to wash away PM2.5 particles and other pollutants suspended in the air. IIT Kanpur researchers are proposing a two-phase cloud seeding process, initially covering a 300 sq km area.
The Delhi government secured approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct cloud seeding experiments in the National Capital Region from October 1 to November 30, 2025. This authorization, facilitated by IIT Kanpur, allows for up to five sorties using a Cessna 206-H aircraft, launching from Hindon airbase and targeting north Delhi areas over 100 square kilometers per sortie, adhering to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for safety.
Feasibility studies by IIT Kanpur suggest that cloud seeding could enhance precipitation by 10-20% in optimal scenarios, potentially reducing PM2.5 levels by 20-30% for a few hours after the rain. The method uses silver iodide, which is considered non-toxic in small quantities and disperses quickly, minimizing long-term environmental harm. Water sampling post-trials will verify this.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also welcomed the Supreme Court's order allowing the use of green crackers during Diwali. He urged residents to adhere to the court's directions and be mindful of environmental concerns. The Supreme Court has permitted the offline sale of green crackers from October 18 to October 21, and mandated that the crackers being sold have QR codes.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas has already imposed Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) due to rising air pollution in Delhi.
