In a groundbreaking move to combat its relentless air pollution, Delhi is preparing for its first-ever artificial rain through cloud seeding 🌦️. Scheduled between July 4 and 11, 2025, this initiative is led by the Environment Department under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and aims to bring much-needed relief from the city’s toxic air.
☁️ What Is Artificial Rain and Cloud Seeding?
Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a weather modification technique that induces rainfall by dispersing certain substances into moisture-laden clouds. These include:
Silver iodide
Potassium iodide
Salt particles 🧂
These substances act as condensation nuclei, allowing water vapor to form larger droplets, eventually falling as rain 🌧️. Special aircraft are used to carry out this operation by releasing these particles directly into the clouds.
🏙️ Why Does Delhi Need Artificial Rain?
Delhi frequently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities 🏭. The city’s air quality often dips into the ‘severe’ category, especially during winter due to:
Vehicle emissions 🚗
Industrial discharge 🏭
Construction dust 🏗️
Stubble burning in nearby states 🌾🔥
Poor weather conditions like low wind speeds and temperature inversion trap pollutants near the surface, creating dangerous smog ☠️.
💧Artificial rain helps reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by physically washing them out of the air, improving both visibility and public health.
✈️ How Will the Cloud-Seeding Trial Work?
🧠 Project Leadership:
Spearheaded by IIT Kanpur
In collaboration with IMD (India Meteorological Department) and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)
🛫 Flight Operations:
Five aerial sorties planned
Over low-security airspace in areas like Bawana, Rohini, Alipur, Kundli, and Burari
Each flight to last ~90 minutes, covering 100 sq. km
🧪 Seeding Mixture:
A mix of silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt
Scientifically designed to catalyze droplet formation
🌦️ Weather Dependency:
Requires nimbostratus clouds with at least 50% moisture content
IMD predicts favorable conditions after July 3, making July 4–11 an optimal window
📊 Monitoring:
Real-time air quality monitoring stations will track pollutant reduction after each rain event
🏛️ Significance and Expectations
Titled:
“Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation”
this project is a historic step in India’s fight against air pollution 🏞️.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said:
“Clean air is the most basic right of every resident, and the government is exploring every possible solution. Artificial rain is one of the bold steps we are taking.” 💬
If successful, this initiative could become a blueprint for other Indian cities struggling with hazardous air quality.
💰 Budget and Approvals
Estimated Cost: ₹3.21 crore
Covers: Aircraft operations, seeding materials, monitoring equipment
Awaiting final approval from DGCA
All other technical and regulatory permissions already granted ✅
⚠️ Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, cloud seeding comes with limitations:
Success is weather-dependent—suitable clouds must be present
Difficult to distinguish natural vs. artificial rain during monsoon
Scientists will use timing and geographic tracking to assess effectiveness 📍
🌈 Final Word
This bold experiment is a ray of hope for millions of Delhiites who suffer from choking smog each year. While challenges remain, cloud seeding could mark the beginning of a new era in pollution control for India’s urban centers. 🌇💨
