Artificial Rain In Delhi: Cloud Seeding Flight Tests Successful Ahead Of October 29 Launch

Delhi is preparing to witness its first-ever artificial rain on October 29, 2025, through cloud seeding, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Thursday. The initiative, initially planned for July, was delayed due to the monsoon, shifting weather patterns, disturbances, and lack of suitable cloud cover.

Artificial Rain Preparations and Schedule

According to the Delhi government, if clouds persist over the city on October 29 or 30, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), artificial rain will be induced across multiple areas. The process is expected to last around 40-50 minutes, with rainfall generated over several locations to help reduce pollution levels.

"Preparations have been completed for the first time in Delhi to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding. Experts successfully tested the process in the Burari area today," said Chief Minister Gupta. She added that the IMD has forecast cloud cover on October 28, 29, and 30, making the upcoming attempt feasible. "If conditions remain favourable, Delhi will witness its first artificial rain on October 29," she said. Gupta called the project historic from a technological perspective, highlighting its role as a scientific solution to tackle air pollution and restore environmental balance.

Trial Seeding Flight

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that a trial seeding flight was conducted on Thursday from IIT Kanpur, covering Meerut, Khekra, Burari, Sadakpur, Bhojpur, and Aligarh, before returning to IIT Kanpur. Cloud seeding flares were deployed between Khekra and Burari and over the Badli area using pyro techniques. The trial, including takeoff and landing, lasted about four hours, with the aircraft in Delhi airspace for 40-50 minutes, primarily over Burari in North Delhi.

Officials added that a planned trial over Karol Bagh could not take place as Air Traffic Control (ATC) did not grant permission.

What is Cloud Seeding?

Cloud seeding is a scientific technique designed to enhance rainfall by dispersing substances like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or sodium chloride into moisture-laden clouds. These particles act as nuclei around which water droplets form, eventually leading to precipitation. Cloud seeding is used to combat drought, improve air quality, or increase water availability and has gained attention in India as a potential tool to reduce severe air pollution in major cities like Delhi.

Delhi Air Quality Remains 'Very Poor'

On Thursday, Delhi's air quality showed slight improvement but remained in the "very poor" category for the fourth consecutive day, aided by stronger winds that helped disperse pollutants. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 305 at 4 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Anand Vihar recorded the city's highest AQI at 410. Out of 38 monitoring stations, 23 reported very poor air quality, while 14 fell under the poor category, as per the Sameer app by CPCB. Delhi ranked as the fifth most-polluted city in India on Thursday, with Bahadurgarh at AQI 325. Neighboring NCR cities such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad reported relatively better air quality, remaining in the poor category with AQI levels around 200.