Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted capitals, is preparing for its first-ever cloud seeding experiment in an attempt to bring artificial rain and provide temporary relief from its worsening air quality. If weather conditions permit, the operation could take place today, marking a historic step in India’s efforts to combat toxic smog that engulfs the city every winter.
The move comes as Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently crossing the “severe” category. Thick smog has blanketed the city for days, reducing visibility, irritating eyes, and making breathing difficult for millions of residents.
Officials say the cloud seeding trial is part of a broader initiative by the government to explore innovative climate and pollution control solutions, especially during the winter months when stubble burning, low wind speeds, and industrial emissions combine to worsen Delhi’s air.
What Is Cloud Seeding?
Cloud seeding is a scientific technique used to induce rainfall artificially. It involves spraying certain chemical particles, such as silver iodide, sodium chloride, or potassium iodide, into clouds from aircraft or drones. These particles act as “seeds” around which moisture condenses, helping to form raindrops that can eventually fall to the ground.
While the concept might sound futuristic, it’s not new. Countries like China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates have been using cloud seeding for years to enhance rainfall, reduce drought impact, and even control air pollution.
For Delhi, the hope is that even a short spell of rain could settle dust, clear the air, and reduce harmful particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that pose serious health risks.
However, cloud seeding only works under specific meteorological conditions — there must be adequate cloud formation and moisture content in the atmosphere. That’s why the phrase “if weather permits” is crucial in this case.
Why Delhi Needs It Now
Delhi’s air pollution crisis is a long-standing problem that worsens every year during winter. The primary contributors include:
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Crop residue burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana.
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Vehicle emissions, especially from diesel-powered transport.
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Construction dust and industrial pollution.
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Low wind speed and temperature inversion, which trap pollutants near the ground.
In November and December, the situation often becomes unbearable. Hospitals report spikes in respiratory illnesses, schools are forced to close, and the city appears wrapped in a thick grey haze for days.
This year, despite government interventions such as odd-even traffic schemes, firecracker bans, and construction halts, the pollution levels have remained severe. Authorities are now looking at cloud seeding as an emergency measure to bring short-term relief while long-term solutions are still being developed.
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How the Operation Will Be Carried Out
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, one of India’s leading research institutions, has been working on the cloud seeding project for several years. Their team will oversee the execution of the operation, in coordination with the Delhi government and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
According to reports, two aircraft have been prepared for the mission. They will carry special equipment to disperse the chemical seeding agents into the clouds above Delhi and nearby regions.
Meteorologists are currently monitoring cloud patterns and humidity levels. The ideal condition for successful cloud seeding is a relative humidity of at least 60% and the presence of cumulus clouds that can hold sufficient moisture.
If these conditions are met, the operation will be conducted over targeted areas of Delhi, with results expected to be visible within a few hours after seeding.
Previous Trials and Success Stories
India has experimented with cloud seeding in other states in the past, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, primarily to combat drought and boost water reservoirs.
In 2018, Maharashtra’s government conducted a large-scale cloud seeding operation that successfully brought light to moderate rainfall over some drought-hit areas.
Globally, China has been one of the leaders in weather modification. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, authorities reportedly used cloud seeding to ensure clear skies during the opening ceremony. Similarly, in the UAE, cloud seeding is performed regularly to increase rainfall in desert regions.
For Delhi, this will be the first official attempt to use the technology to combat air pollution rather than drought, which makes it a significant and closely watched experiment.
Expected Benefits
If successful, cloud seeding could offer several short-term benefits for Delhi:
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Cleaner Air: Rainfall can help wash away dust and particulate matter, improving air quality almost immediately.
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Reduced Smog: Moisture can help settle pollutants that form smog layers near the ground.
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Improved Visibility: Clearer skies will make driving safer and reduce road accidents caused by low visibility.
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Health Relief: Cleaner air means fewer cases of asthma, coughing, and other pollution-related respiratory problems.
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Scientific Insight: This experiment could provide valuable data on the effectiveness of cloud seeding in urban environments.
However, experts also caution that these benefits are temporary and that cloud seeding is not a replacement for long-term pollution control measures.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite its promise, cloud seeding has its share of challenges and controversies.
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Dependence on Weather: The technique only works when suitable clouds are available, which means it cannot be used at will.
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Limited Duration: The effects last only for a few days — once pollution sources continue, the air can quickly become toxic again.
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Cost Factor: Cloud seeding operations are expensive, involving aircraft, chemicals, and skilled manpower.
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Environmental Impact: While silver iodide is generally considered safe in small quantities, there are concerns about its long-term impact on soil and water.
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Ethical Questions: Some critics argue that modifying weather artificially could have unintended consequences on neighboring regions’ rainfall patterns.
Nonetheless, in a crisis like Delhi’s, officials see it as a worthwhile risk to test the potential benefits.
Government’s Broader Strategy
The Delhi government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), has been working on multiple fronts to reduce pollution.
These include:
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Implementing Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures.
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Expanding public transport and electric vehicle infrastructure.
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Installing smog towers at key locations.
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Increasing green cover through tree plantation drives.
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Encouraging bio-decomposers to reduce stubble burning.
Cloud seeding is seen as a part of this broader plan — a short-term solution while the long-term changes take root.
Experts’ Opinions
Environmental experts are cautiously optimistic. Dr. Manju Mehta, an air pollution researcher, says,
“Cloud seeding can bring temporary relief, but it’s not a magic bullet. The real focus should remain on reducing emissions at their source — vehicles, factories, and agricultural fires.”
Others view it as a scientific milestone that could open doors for future innovation. If successful, cloud seeding could become a regular emergency tool used during extreme pollution episodes in Delhi and other cities like Mumbai, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
A Hopeful Beginning
For the millions living under the smog-choked Delhi sky, even a little rain could mean a breath of fresh air — literally. Whether or not the weather cooperates today, this initiative represents a turning point in India’s fight against air pollution.
It signals the government’s willingness to embrace science and technology to address one of the nation’s most pressing environmental crises.
Even if the first attempt doesn’t produce the desired rainfall, the data and experience gained will guide future operations — helping India refine its approach to cloud seeding and pollution control.
Conclusion
Delhi’s experiment with artificial rain is more than just a scientific trial — it’s a symbol of hope for a city gasping for clean air. While cloud seeding cannot replace strong environmental policies or emission controls, it can serve as a temporary relief mechanism during pollution peaks.
If successful, it could inspire other Indian cities facing similar pollution challenges to explore weather modification as part of their climate action strategies.
For now, all eyes are on the skies above Delhi — hoping the clouds are kind enough to open up, even if just for a while.
