Delhi's Cloud Seeding Effort Fails to Bring Rain
Delhi's cloud seeding project, costing over Rs 3.2 crore for five trials, failed to produce significant rainfall. Experts cite low moisture in winter clouds as the main reason. The initiative aimed to reduce air pollution but offered only temporary relief, with experts stressing the need for long-term solutions.
Delhi's ambitious cloud seeding project, aimed at triggering artificial rain to reduce air pollution, has failed to deliver results. The government spent over Rs 3.2 crore for five trials, with each attempt costing about Rs 64 lakh. Despite three trials conducted in North Delhi, no substantial rainfall was recorded. Experts from IIT Kanpur and environmental organizations attribute the failure to insufficient moisture in winter clouds, with humidity levels at only 10–15%, far below the 50–60% required for effective cloud seeding. The city's dry winter conditions make such interventions challenging. Even if rain occurs, experts say the impact on pollution is temporary, lasting only a few days. They emphasize that cloud seeding is not a sustainable solution and that resources should be directed toward tackling root causes of pollution, such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. Previous attempts in Delhi and other states have also shown limited success, highlighting the need for sustained, structural measures rather than costly experiments.
