Delhi Conducts First Cloud Seeding Trial to Combat Pollution
Delhi authorities launched their first cloud seeding trial on October 28, 2025, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, aiming to induce artificial rain and reduce the city's severe pollution. The method involves spraying chemicals into clouds to trigger rainfall, which could lower pollution levels by up to 50%, though effects are temporary. The initiative, delayed by weather, is part of a broader plan to address Delhi’s chronic winter air quality crisis.
On October 28, 2025, Delhi began its first-ever cloud seeding operation to artificially induce rain and combat the city’s persistent air pollution, which has reached 'very poor' levels with an AQI of 304. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the trial, conducted in partnership with IIT Kanpur, after repeated delays due to unfavorable weather conditions. The process involves releasing chemical particles from aircraft into clouds to encourage the formation of raindrops, a technique previously used in other countries but untested in Delhi until now. Authorities expect rainfall could begin anywhere from 15 minutes to four hours after seeding, though the quantity and effectiveness remain uncertain. Scientists caution that while artificial rain can temporarily reduce pollution by up to 50%, the improvement is not permanent, as pollution sources like vehicle emissions, construction dust, and crop burning continue. Additional trials are planned, and if successful, the program may expand through February. This initiative highlights Delhi’s urgent efforts to address its annual winter pollution crisis, which affects millions of residents’ health.
