Cloud Seeding in Delhi has begun: cloud-seeding trials in collaboration with top scientific institutions to trigger artificial rain aimed at cleaning the city’s toxic air. Aircraft are being deployed to spray salt and silver iodide particles into clouds in hopes of producing rainfall and washing pollutants out of the atmosphere.
This is Delhi’s first major weather-modification attempt to fight rising PM2.5 levels after Diwali — when air quality usually drops to “Severe” levels.
🔹 What Is Cloud Seeding in Delhi?
Cloud seeding is a scientific process that stimulates rainfall by introducing tiny particles — usually silver iodide or sodium chloride — into suitable clouds.
These act as condensation nuclei, helping moisture gather into raindrops. If atmospheric conditions are right, rain may follow within minutes to hours.
However, if clouds are too dry or too thin, even multiple seeding flights may not cause any rain.
🔹 Why Delhi Turned to Cloud Seeding
Every winter, Delhi’s air becomes a gas chamber due to:
- Crop burning in neighbouring states,
- Low wind speeds,
- Vehicle emissions, and
- Firecracker pollution.
Authorities hope that artificial rain can act as a quick-fix solution to reduce pollution levels and improve visibility for a few days.
🔹 Key Details of the Cloud seeding in Delhi Trials
- Organized by: Delhi Government in association with IIT Kanpur.
- Objective: To induce rainfall over high-pollution zones across Delhi NCR.
- Operation Window: Only when the IMD confirms cloud density and humidity are favourable.
- Method: Aircraft or drones release a controlled amount of seeding material in the target clouds.
Officials have said multiple sorties are planned depending on weather conditions.
🔹 Can Cloud Seeding Really Work?
✅ Possible Benefits:
- Rapid reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
- Short-term improvement in air quality index (AQI).
- Temporary relief from dense smog.
⚠️ Limitations:
- Works only when clouds are present and sufficiently moist.
- Effects last just 24–48 hours.
- No impact on emission sources like vehicles and stubble burning.
🔹 Is Cloud Seeding in Delhi Safe for the Environment?
Studies suggest that silver iodide and salt particles, when used in small quantities, pose minimal ecological risk. Yet, experts advise continued environmental monitoring to ensure long-term safety.
🔹 What Residents Can Expect from cloud seeding in Delhi
If the seeding succeeds, light to moderate rainfall may occur across parts of Delhi NCR. People may experience clearer skies and cleaner air for a short period, but experts caution that pollution levels could rebound quickly if emissions continue.
🔹 Expert Verdict
Cloud seeding is not a cure, but it can provide temporary relief in extreme conditions.
Delhi must still focus on long-term solutions — cleaner transport, reduced stubble burning, and stricter emission enforcement.
🔹 Final Words for clod Seeding In Delhi
Cloud seeding is a scientific experiment, not a silver bullet. While artificial rain may temporarily clear Delhi’s toxic air, sustained change will only come from systemic pollution control and regional cooperation.
Also Read
- Delhi prepares for artificial rain: Can cloud seeding impact your health? — READ MORE
- Delhi’s cloud-seeding trials: All about the artificial cloud-modification technique — READ MORE
- Delhi turns to cloud seeding as air quality crisis deepens — READ MORE
- What is cloud seeding and why Delhi is going for it post-Diwali — READ MORE
- Delhi to conduct first cloud seeding trial today: Check time, process, and what to expect — READ MORE
