Delhi’s First Cloud Seeding Trial Likely Today: What To Expect From Artificial Rain Experiment

Last Updated:October 28, 2025, 09:43 IST

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the specially equipped aircraft will arrive from Kanpur once visibility there improves from 2,000 metres to at least 5,000 metres.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has authorised IIT Kanpur to conduct up to five trials between October 1 and November 30. (Image: PTI)

Delhi may finally witness its first artificial rain today as the government prepares to conduct a cloud seeding trial aimed at combating severe air pollution in the capital.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the specially equipped aircraft will arrive from Kanpur once visibility there improves from 2,000 metres to at least 5,000 metres. “The flight will arrive in Delhi once the visibility improves (in Kanpur). The cloud seeding trial will be conducted today," he told PTI Videos.

What To Expect From The Trial

The cloud seeding operation, conducted in partnership with IIT Kanpur, is designed to induce artificial rainfall using silver iodide and sodium chloride, compounds that help water droplets form and fall as rain. The trial will be carried out in northwest Delhi once suitable cloud conditions appear.

Officials said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated possible cloud formations between October 28 and October 30. If conditions remain favourable, Delhi could witness its first artificial showers by the evening.

Why It Matters

The experiment is part of Delhi’s broader strategy to reduce toxic air levels that typically spike during the winter months. Artificial rain could temporarily help wash away pollutants and improve visibility across the capital, which is currently suffering from poor air quality.

Preparations for the exercise have been underway for weeks. A test flight conducted over Burari last week released small quantities of seeding agents, but low moisture levels, below the required 50 per cent threshold, prevented rainfall.

Government And Regulatory Clearances

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has authorised IIT Kanpur to conduct up to five trials between October 1 and November 30. All necessary approvals have been secured from more than 10 central and state agencies, including the Union ministries of environment, defence and home affairs, the Airports Authority of India, and the Uttar Pradesh government.

The Delhi Cabinet had earlier approved the project at a cost of ₹3.21 crore. The initiative faced repeated delays due to unsuitable weather through May, June, August, and September.

(With inputs from agencies)

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