Delhi’s much-anticipated cloud seeding experiment to combat air pollution has been postponed due to continuous monsoon activity. Initially set for early July, the project is now rescheduled for a late August launch, with officials citing unsuitable atmospheric conditions as the reason for the delay.
The revised timeline, stretching from August 30 to September 10, is expected to provide clearer skies and more favorable cloud formations for the operation. The initiative is part of Delhi’s larger Environment Action Plan and is being carried out in collaboration with IIT Kanpur’s Department of Aerospace Engineering.
The trial involves modified aircraft dispersing particles into clouds to trigger rainfall, with the goal of reducing airborne pollutants. These flights will focus on pollution-prone areas of the city and are backed by regulatory approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized that the project is not just a one-off experiment but a strategic move to improve Delhi’s long-term pollution management. Data collected during this monsoon trial is expected to guide more extensive efforts during the high-pollution winter season.