Delhi Air Pollution: With air pollution levels deteriorating sharply ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government has conducted two rounds of cloud-seeding trials near the Indira Gandhi International Airport over the last 15 days. The operations are part of renewed efforts to explore artificial rain as an emergency measure to combat air pollution in the national capital. Additional trials are scheduled after Diwali and Chhath, depending on favourable weather conditions.
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Cloud Seeding Trials Conducted At 30,000 Feet
Unlike last year, the government is keeping this year's operations strictly confidential. Speaking to Dainik Jagran, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the government will conduct cloud-seeding trials, but will not make any announcements or confirmations regarding the ongoing operations.
According to government sources, the trials were conducted at an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet, significantly higher than last year's operations, which were carried out at around 10,000 feet (3,000 metres). Scientists are testing whether seeding at higher atmospheric levels improves cloud reaction and rain formation.
About Delhi's Cloud-Seeding Project
The Delhi government first launched its cloud-seeding project last year in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to combat air pollution during peak winter episodes. The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Delhi Environment Department and IIT Kanpur on September 25, 2025.
During trials in October 2025, aircraft released chemical flares containing silver iodide and sodium chloride into targeted cloud formations. However, the experiments failed to produce rainfall, drawing public criticism. The government later released a report claiming that particulate matter levels in the targeted locations dropped temporarily despite the absence of rain.
How Does Cloud Seeding Work?
Cloud seeding is a weather-modification technique designed to enhance a cloud's ability to produce precipitation. It involves dispersing substances, such as silver iodide, potassium iodide, or sodium chloride, into moisture-bearing clouds to stimulate the formation of water droplets or ice crystals.
However, meteorologists emphasise that cloud seeding cannot generate rain on its own. The process requires existing cloud cover with sufficient moisture and favourable atmospheric conditions. Consequently, artificial rain serves as a short-term emergency measure during specific weather conditions, rather than a long-term solution to Delhi's air quality crisis.
(With Inputs From Jagran.com And PTI)