New Delhi, May 9, 2025 — In a groundbreaking move to address the capital’s persistent air pollution crisis, the Delhi government has approved a series of cloud-seeding trials scheduled to take place between May and June this year. The initiative, set to cost ₹3.21 crore, aims to induce artificial rainfall as a means to cleanse the city’s heavily polluted air.
Cloud seeding, a weather modification technique involving the dispersal of substances like silver iodide or potassium iodide into clouds to encourage precipitation, is not new—but this marks the first large-scale application of the technology in Delhi with direct backing from the government.
Fighting Pollution With Innovation
Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the plan earlier this week, highlighting the urgent need for alternative solutions in battling Delhi’s chronic air quality issues. “Despite existing air pollution control measures, we continue to witness alarming levels of smog and particulate matter, especially in the post-monsoon and winter seasons. Cloud seeding offers a promising scientific intervention,” Rai stated.
According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital hovered around 250 in April—categorized as “poor”—with some areas frequently breaching the 300 mark, especially in the industrial belts and densely populated zones.
Scope of the Trials
The cloud-seeding operations will cover an estimated 100 square kilometers on the outskirts of Delhi, with priority given to areas that consistently report high PM2.5 and PM10 levels. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, which previously conducted successful trials in Uttar Pradesh, will collaborate with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and state agencies to execute the seeding.
Dr. Rajeev Shukla, a senior scientist at IIT Kanpur, explained, “Cloud seeding is contingent on specific meteorological conditions. We will use aircraft to disperse the seeding agents once the humidity and cloud cover are conducive. Even a mild rainfall of 2–3 mm can significantly reduce air pollutants.”
Public Reaction and Concerns
While the move has been welcomed by environmentalists and public health advocates, some experts have cautioned against overreliance on artificial weather interventions. “Cloud seeding can be a supplementary tool, not a replacement for long-term policies like cleaner fuels, vehicular emission standards, and industrial regulations,” said Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
Citizens, however, have expressed optimism. “If it rains even a little and clears the dust and smog, it’s a relief. The pollution makes it difficult to breathe,” said 34-year-old Rohit Arora, a resident of East Delhi.
Broader Implications
The success of Delhi’s cloud-seeding trials could set a precedent for other Indian cities grappling with pollution, including Kanpur, Lucknow, and Patna. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is monitoring the trial closely, as its outcome could lead to wider adoption of weather modification as a tool for pollution management.
Meanwhile, global environmental bodies are watching as well. Similar initiatives in China and the United Arab Emirates have shown mixed results, often depending on geography and climate variability. Still, the urgency of Delhi’s pollution crisis makes innovation not just desirable—but necessary.
Final Thoughts
As Delhi takes to the skies in its war against pollution, the cloud-seeding trials represent a bold experiment in environmental intervention. While not a silver bullet, the initiative could provide temporary relief for millions of residents and pave the way for more integrated climate-resilient strategies.
“The air we breathe determines the quality of our life. If artificial rain can bring real change, it’s a start we must welcome,” said Gopal Rai.
