Delhi's Cloud Seeding A Success, Environment Minister Hints At Long-Term Plan Till February

New Delhi: The much-anticipated cloud seeding in Delhi began today after the aircraft designated for the mission departed from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The second trial of cloud seeding took place in Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar, the third trial is soon expected to follow. 

The operation was conducted by IIT-Kanpur using a Cessna aircraft fitted with salt-based and silver iodide flares to induce rain. The aircraft, which was stationed in Kanpur, took off after favourable weather conditions were confirmed.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, while speaking to the media, confirmed the successful completion of the cloud seeding trial in the national capital.  The operation lasted for about half an hour, during which one flare was released continuously for nearly 2 to 2.5 minutes.

Following the successful trial, the aircraft has now landed in Meerut. Sirsa further said that the follow-up of cloud seeding will also be conducted later today.

“The second trial of cloud seeding has been completed in New Delhi. This was done by IIT Kanpur through a Cessna aircraft. The second sortie and third trial will be undertaken today itself. As per IMD, winds are moving north, and clouds can drift anywhere in Outer Delhi. IIT Kanpur believes there could be rainfall anytime between 15 minutes and 4 hours,” Sirsa said.

Expressing optimism about the initiative, he added that if the trials prove successful, a long-term plan could be implemented till February. “Such sorties will continue in the coming days, and around nine to ten trials will be carried out daily depending on weather conditions,” he said.

Earlier during the day, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also had said that if the aircraft departed as planned, the cloud seeding in Delhi could be conducted between 12:30 pm and 1 pm. However, low visibility led to a slight delay in the operations. Anticipating this, Sirsa had in the morning said, “Right now, the visibility in Kanpur is 2,000 metres. Visibility of 5,000 metres is being awaited there. Visibility is low in Delhi too…"

What Is Cloud Seeding?

Cloud seeding is a scientific method used to induce artificial rainfall by dispersing substances such as silver iodide or salt-based compounds into moisture-rich clouds. These particles help small droplets combine to form larger ones, triggering rainfall. The technique is often used to mitigate drought, boost water reserves or reduce air pollution.

Last week, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasised the importance of cloud seeding, calling it a crucial and innovative measure to combat the city’s recurring environmental problems.

Following Diwali, Delhi and its surrounding regions have continued to record poor air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of Delhi-NCR remains in the 'poor' to 'very poor' categories, with Stage-2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) still in force.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 306 at 8 am on Tuesday, which is classified as ‘very poor’.

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