Delhi to Launch First-Ever Cloud Seeding Trial to Induce Artificial Rainfall Amid Rising Pollution.
National
In June 2025, Delhi’s Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, announced the city’s first-ever cloud-seeding trial—carried out in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur—aimed at inducing artificial rain to reduce pollution and boost water levels. The plan awaits final approvals before execution begins.
- The pilot cloud-seeding project aims to mitigate Delhi’s persistent air pollution (PM2.5 – Particulate Matter less than 2.5 micrometers & PM10 – Particulate Matter less than 10 micrometers) and supplement scarce rainfall by artificially inducing rain. All scientific systems are ready, with final clearances pending. Suitable weather conditions—moist, deep clouds—will trigger the operation.
- Designed with IIT-Kanpur, the experiment uses specially equipped Cessna aircraft fitted with flare-based systems. The seeding particles include silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. Up to five sorties, each covering 100 sq km for 1.5 hours, are planned over northwest and outer Delhi zones.
Main Point :- (i) Flights are restricted to non-sensitive airspace, avoiding VIP zones like Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament. Regulatory approvals from agencies such as IMD (India Meteorological Department), DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), AAI (Airports Authority of India), and MoD (Ministry of Defence) are being finalized. Real-time CAAQMS (Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations) monitors will gauge air quality changes before and after the flights.
(ii) The estimated trial cost is ₹55 lakh per flight, totaling ₹2.75 crore. While IIT-Kanpur study suggests a 60–70% success rate, experts stress that effect duration may be limited and long-term sustainability is unproven. Post-trial data will evaluate environmental impacts before considering expansion.
Chief minister: Rekha Gupta
International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
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