Delhi Plans Artificial Rain Project: Cloud Seeding Trials Worth Rs 3.21 Crore Cleared

Delhi is preparing to conduct its first cloud seeding trials in the first half of September, aimed at generating artificial rain to tackle rising air pollution levels. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed the plan, noting that the project had originally been scheduled for early July but was postponed after agencies such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD), IIT-Kanpur, and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune advised that weather conditions at the time were unsuitable. The new timeline coincides with the retreating monsoon season, when clouds are expected to be more conducive for seeding.

How Cloud Seeding Works

Cloud seeding is a weather modification method that induces artificial rainfall by dispersing agents such as silver iodide, iodised salt, rock salt, and sodium chloride into moisture-laden clouds. The particles serve as nuclei for water droplets to form and grow, eventually triggering precipitation. For Delhi's trial, sorties will be conducted using a specially modified Cessna 206-H aircraft equipped with cloud seeding technology developed by IIT-Kanpur.

During each operation, the aircraft will fly just below the cloud base and release hygroscopic particles into suitable clouds. Ideal conditions for seeding require nimbostratus (Ns) clouds at altitudes between 500 and 6,000 meters with more than 50 percent moisture, conditions expected during this period. Scientific teams will monitor rainfall samples for chemical traces and assess improvements in air quality following the experiment.

Why the Experiment Is Being Conducted

Delhi's persistent pollution crisis, particularly during the post-monsoon and winter seasons, has prompted the search for innovative solutions. Hazardous levels of PM2.5-averaging 175 micrograms per cubic metre-pose severe risks to public health. The government, in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, has allocated Rs 3.21 crore for the project, with each trial costing Rs 55 lakh. Authorities hope that artificial rain can help wash out airborne pollutants, providing temporary relief to citizens and potentially improving life expectancy.

Trial Plan and Coverage Area

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has cleared the trials, which will be carried out from Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad. Five sorties are planned, covering about 100 square kilometres in north and outer Delhi, as well as nearby areas in Uttar Pradesh. Pollution-prone localities such as Rohini, Bawana, Alipur, and Burari, along with adjoining UP regions like Loni and Baghpat, will be targeted. The flights will avoid restricted airspace and follow strict aviation safety rules, with no aerial photography permitted.

Key Project Details at a Glance

• Project cost: Rs 3.21 crore (Rs 55 lakh per trial)
• Seeding agents: Silver iodide, iodised salt, rock salt, sodium chloride
• Aircraft: Cessna 206-H, operated from Hindon Air Base (Ghaziabad)
• Coverage area: North and outer Delhi, plus adjoining UP districts
• Lead agencies: IIT-Kanpur, Delhi Government, IMD, DGCA, IITM Pune

Expected Impact and Next Steps

If successful, the trials could demonstrate that artificial rainfall can reduce PM2.5 and other pollutants, offering a temporary but effective tool against Delhi's recurring smog. The pilot project is also expected to generate critical scientific data for evaluating larger-scale use in the National Capital Region (NCR). Findings will be shared with regulatory bodies and environmental experts to determine the feasibility of wider deployment in the future.