In a groundbreaking initiative to combat air pollution, the Delhi government is poised to launch its first-ever artificial rain project through cloud seeding, with all major scientific and regulatory clearances in place. The pilot is expected to take off the moment favorable weather conditions, specifically clouds with the right moisture and depth — develop over targeted zones in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Titled “Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation,” the initiative marks a significant leap in urban environmental intervention. The ambitious project is being carried out in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, which is providing the scientific, technical, and operational infrastructure for the mission.
“This pilot project is not just about artificial rain, it’s about scientific courage and environmental justice,” said Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. He added, “When we say ‘Right to Clean Air’, we mean it. From anti-smog guns and sprinklers to strict dust mitigation norms at construction sites, we are pushing every boundary and now even the skies for our people..”
Key Highlights:
- Meteorological Support: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed the feasibility of cloud seeding in Delhi’s atmosphere and will provide live updates on cloud types, altitude, dew point, and wind conditions.
- Aircraft and Seeding Technology: IIT Kanpur will deploy specially-equipped Cessna aircraft fitted with flare-based cloud-seeding systems. These will use a unique formulation composed of silver iodide nanoparticles, iodized salt, rock salt, and other agents capable of inducing both hygroscopic and glaciogenic reactions.
- Flight Plans: A maximum of five sorties are planned, each lasting at least 90 minutes and covering 100 square kilometers over non-sensitive areas in northwest and outer Delhi. All flights will strictly avoid restricted airspace in compliance with aviation norms.
- Air Quality Monitoring: The impact of induced precipitation on air quality will be assessed in real time through Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) installed in and around the seeded zones. Focus will be placed on measuring changes in PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
- Cost and Funding: The total estimated cost of the pilot is ₹3.21 crore, fully funded by the Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi.
Only minor operational clearances, such as final flight plan approvals, remain. Once the necessary weather patterns emerge — ideally in the form of nimbostratus clouds between 500 and 6,000 meters above ground level — the operation will be launched.
Building on Prior Success
This initiative builds on the success of seven earlier cloud seeding trials conducted by IIT Kanpur in drought-prone areas between April and July, where the same aircraft and seeding mechanisms were used effectively.
Unlike traditional rain-inducing efforts focused on water scarcity, the Delhi project has a distinct goal: to determine whether artificial rain can effectively bring down pollution levels. If successful, it could pave the way for similar interventions in other highly polluted cities across India.