India is trialing cloud seeding in Delhi to combat the city's persistent and hazardous smog problem. With air quality often reaching severe levels, the government is exploring artificial rain as a method to wash away pollutants.
The Delhi government, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, has been developing this project. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed last month between IIT-Kanpur and the Delhi government for five experimental cloud-seeding trials, mainly focused in northwest Delhi. The project was initially scheduled for July 4, 2025, but was postponed due to unfavorable weather. Approvals have been secured from 23 departments, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to increase precipitation by introducing substances into the air that act as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. Common agents include silver iodide, potassium iodide, and dry ice. In this instance, the cloud seeding involves spraying a chemical from an aeroplane to encourage rain and wash deadly particles out of the air.
A successful trial flight was conducted recently, marking a major milestone. During the trial, cloud-seeding flares were successfully fired between Khekra and Burari, while the aircraft's performance, equipment endurance, and safety protocols were thoroughly evaluated. The flight departed from the IIT Kanpur airstrip and covered the route from Kanpur via Meerut, Khekra, Burari, Sadakpur, Bhojpur, and Aligarh, before returning to Kanpur.
The first artificial rain is likely to occur on October 29, depending on weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cloudy skies over Delhi on October 28, 29, and 30, creating ideal conditions for the operation.
If successful, cloud seeding could emerge as a path-breaking method to control Delhi's air pollution, especially during the post-Diwali smog season. By inducing rain, the process can wash away fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that often pushes Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) into the "severe" category during winter.
Delhi's air pollution is caused by vehicular and industrial emissions, open area dust, biomass and waste burning, and stubble burning, all exacerbated by stagnant winter air. The city has been exploring various methods to improve air quality. Steps such as stopping the use of coal in hotels and restaurants, promoting the use of electric and BS-VI vehicles, and tackling fly ash have been suggested.
While cloud seeding offers a potential solution, its effectiveness remains a subject of debate among scientists. Nevertheless, the Delhi government is optimistic. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa thanked Chief Minister Gupta and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating swift approvals, enabling the project to move forward without delays.
