Delhi to Conduct First Cloud Seeding Trial Today: Check Time, Process, and What to Expect

The Delhi government is preparing to carry out its first-ever cloud seeding operation today, subject to favourable weather conditions.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that the initiative will proceed once visibility improves in Kanpur, where the designated aircraft is currently stationed.

Weather to Decide the Fate of the Trial

Manjinder Singh Sirsa explained that the flight operation is entirely dependent on weather clearance in Kanpur.

"Regarding cloud seeding, as soon as the weather clears up in Kanpur, our aircraft will take off from there today. If it succeeds in taking off from there, cloud seeding will be done in Delhi today. Through that cloud seeding, there will be rainfall in Delhi," the minister said.

He added, "Right now, the visibility in Kanpur is 2000 metres. Visibility of 5000 metres is being awaited there. Visibility is low in Delhi too. We hope that this will be possible by 12.30-1 pm. Then it will take off from there, do cloud seeding here and return."

Understanding Cloud Seeding Technology

Cloud seeding is a scientific method used to enhance rainfall by dispersing certain substances like silver iodide and dry ice into the clouds. These particles encourage condensation and precipitation, helping trigger artificial rain.

The formula being used in Delhi's trial has been developed by IIT Kanpur and consists of silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. This technique can be deployed through aircraft, rockets, or ground-based equipment.

Why Delhi Is Turning to Artificial Rain

Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous levels of air pollution. The government hopes that artificial rain will help temporarily reduce particulate matter and improve air quality.
The city has consistently ranked as India's most polluted megacity, recording an average PM2.5 concentration of 175 micrograms per cubic metre during the 2024-25 winter season, as per the Centre for Science and Environment.

A report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) revealed that air pollution is cutting the life expectancy of Delhi residents by nearly 11.9 years compared to WHO standards.

As of 8 am today, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 306, categorised as "very poor," with Anand Vihar, RK Puram, and Siri Fort among the most affected areas.

Government's Collaboration with IIT Kanpur

To address the pollution crisis, the Delhi government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Kanpur on September 25 to conduct five cloud seeding trials, all in northwest Delhi.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already approved the trials for any time between October 1 and November 30.

Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet had sanctioned a budget of ₹3.21 crore for the project on May 7. However, multiple weather-related delays have pushed the trials from May to October. If conditions align today, Delhi could finally witness its first artificial rainfall.