In a first for the national capital, Delhi is preparing to launch artificial rain operations through cloud seeding between July 4 and 11, aimed at reducing air pollution levels. The initiative, led by the city’s Environment Department under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, represents a significant move in urban pollution control.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that IIT Kanpur has submitted the flight plan for the seeding operation to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Pune for technical coordination. Weather conditions are currently unsuitable for seeding until July 3, but the proposed flight window may open shortly after. An additional request has been made to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to allow an alternate window if weather remains unfavourable during the planned period.
The project, titled Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation, will involve five sorties using specially modified Cessna aircraft. Each sortie, lasting around 90 minutes, will cover approximately 100 square kilometres in northwest and outer Delhi. The aircraft will disperse a scientifically developed mixture comprising silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt into moisture-bearing clouds to trigger rainfall.
This artificial rain attempt is intended to help cleanse the city’s air by settling airborne pollutants. It follows several failed attempts in past years to operationalise cloud seeding as an emergency pollution-control measure.
Sirsa emphasized that clean air is a basic right and that the government is taking tangible steps to deliver on that promise. He also addressed political criticism from opposition leaders, stating that the current government has moved swiftly signing an MoU, making payments to IIT Kanpur, and securing all necessary approvals within four months of taking office.
As Delhi continues to grapple with hazardous air quality, particularly during post-monsoon and winter months, the success of this trial could pave the way for more frequent or larger-scale cloud seeding operations in the future.