Flight From Kanpur Begins Cloud-Seeding Mission Over Delhi To Combat Toxic Air

A specially equipped aircraft took off from Kanpur on Tuesday (28 October) to conduct Delhi’s first full-scale cloud-seeding experiment, aimed at inducing artificial rain to help settle the thick layer of smog choking the city.

The trial is being carried out over the northwestern region near Burari, with the aircraft scheduled to land in Meerut after completing its operation, as per PTI.

Officials said the experiment is part of the Delhi government’s emergency response to deteriorating air quality, which has remained in the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ category across several parts of the National Capital Region since Diwali. Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remains in force.

Manjinder Sirsa said that if atmospheric conditions remain favourable and the aircraft’s operation goes as planned, the cloud seeding operation could take place between 12:30 pm and 1 pm.

The attempt follows a smaller test conducted earlier over Burari, which was unsuccessful due to low humidity levels. The moisture content was recorded below 20 per cent—far less than the 50 per cent required to trigger rain.

Cloud seeding involves releasing particles such as silver iodide crystals or salt compounds into moisture-laden clouds.

These particles help cloud droplets merge into larger ones, which can then fall as rain. The process is typically carried out using aircraft that disperse the material into the target cloud layer.

Globally, more than 56 countries including China, the UAE, Australia, Russia, Thailand, and the United States use cloud seeding for weather modification, rain enhancement, and pollution control.

Delhi’s trial is being closely monitored by meteorologists and environmental experts, who say successful artificial rain could provide short-term relief from hazardous smog levels.

However, they caution that favourable weather conditions remain the key to achieving measurable results.

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