The Delhi government is set to launch cloud seeding in the Capital to trigger artificial rainfall, aiming to lower pollution levels after Diwali. The project is ready, pending the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) final clearance to commence operations.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said Delhi is ready for cloud seeding to induce post-Diwali rainfall. Four trial flights over northwest Delhi are complete, aircraft are stationed at Meerut, and pilots await suitable clouds and IMD clearance.
Sirsa confirmed that the Cessna-206H, a small single-engine aircraft modified for cloud seeding, is ready. The first trials could take place the day after Diwali or the following day, depending on weather conditions and IMD’s approval.
Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances like silver iodide into clouds to boost rain production. IIT Kanpur has modified the aircraft for this purpose, aiming to enhance precipitation from suitable nimbostratus clouds with at least 50% moisture content.
Delhi currently lacks sufficient cloud density and moisture, delaying seeding operations. An IIT official said that authorities are closely monitoring atmospheric conditions to identify the right window, ensuring clouds are suitable for successful artificial rain generation.
According to experts, if strong showers occur, air quality in Delhi could improve by 50–80 AQI points. Very poor AQI could improve to poor, and poor could move to moderate. Light drizzle alone is unlikely to make a difference.
The Delhi Cabinet also approved the ₹3.21-crore cloud-seeding project in May. Permissions from more than ten authorities, including Union ministries, DGCA, BCAS, AAI, and the UP government, have been secured, and a formal MoU with IIT Kanpur was signed in late September.
Cloud-seeding trials were first planned for May–June but postponed due to monsoon rains. Another attempt in August–September couldn’t proceed as heavy rainfall lasted till September 24, and early October trials were delayed by unexpected western disturbance showers.
