Delhi Conducts Cloud-Seeding Trial, Artificial Rain Expected Soon

A cloud-seeding aircraft successfully completed its trial mission over northwest Delhi on Tuesday afternoon, returning to its base in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, as the national capital gasps for relief from deadly post-Diwali smog. Sources confirmed the operation was part of a Rs 3.21 crore project under a September MoU between the Delhi government and IIT Kanpur, which allows five such trials between October 1 and November 30. However, with cloud moisture below 20% as of early afternoon, natural or induced rainfall is not expected before 5 pm. A second flight remains on standby if conditions improve or the first attempt fails.

Cloud seeding involves dispersing silver iodide, iodised salt, or dry ice into clouds via aircraft, rockets, or ground generators to trigger precipitation. Originally developed to combat drought, reduce hail, or clear fog, Delhi is now using it as an emergency tool against its annual winter pollution nightmare. The technique forces supercooled water droplets to freeze and fall as rain, potentially washing out suspended particulate matter. While not a permanent fix, experts say even moderate rainfall could slash PM2.5 levels by 30–50% temporarily, offering critical breathing space to millions.

Delhi’s air quality has hit catastrophic lows despite a 77.5% drop in farm fires in Punjab and Haryana. Post-Diwali, average PM2.5 soared to 488 micrograms per cubic metre—nearly 100 times the WHO’s safe limit and a 212% spike from pre-festival levels, marking the worst in five years. As of 8 am Tuesday, AQI readings remained in the “severe” zone across the city: Siri Fort (350), RK Puram (320), Bawana (336), Mundka (324), and Punjabi Bagh (323). The Supreme Court’s limited relaxation for “green” firecrackers was widely ignored, with unrestricted bursting continuing late into the night, thickening the toxic haze.

Also Read: Delhi’s First Cloud Seeding Trial to Tackle Toxic Air may Begin Today if Weather Clears in Kanpur

This persistent pollution is shaving off nearly 12 years of life expectancy for Delhi residents, according to a University of Chicago report. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions are at highest risk, with hospitals reporting a surge in asthma and bronchitis cases. The Delhi government has reimposed Stage III GRAP measures, including a ban on construction, restricted vehicle movement, and staggered office timings, but these have proven insufficient against the combined assault of stubble smoke, vehicular emissions, and firecracker residue.

All eyes are now on the skies. If the second seeding flight is deployed and succeeds, artificial rain could begin as early as Tuesday evening, offering the first real hope in weeks. Meteorologists warn success depends on sufficient cloud cover and humidity—factors currently marginal. Meanwhile, residents are urged to stay indoors, use N95 masks, and avoid morning outdoor activity as the city braces for what could be a make-or-break moment in its fight against the choking winter smog.

Also Read: Rekha Gupta Confirms Delhi’s First Artificial Rain After Successful Cloud Seeding Test