New Delhi, India — July 2, 2025 | AMN-USA

In a first-of-its-kind move, the Indian capital is preparing to conduct cloud seeding operations in early July to combat severe air pollution. Authorities have greenlit the artificial rain project, which could mark a breakthrough in the city’s ongoing battle with toxic air.

What’s Happening?

The Delhi government, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, is launching its first artificial rain trial between July 4 and July 11, depending on cloud conditions.

The goal is to trigger rainfall over Delhi using cloud seeding, a weather modification technique in which aircraft release substances like silver iodide and salt into rain-bearing clouds to increase precipitation.

How It Will Work

• The operation involves modified aircraft flying five sorties (90 minutes each) over pollution hotspots in northwest and outer Delhi.
• Each sortie is expected to cover about 100 square kilometers.
• Flights will depart from Hindon airbase and disperse a chemical mixture containing silver iodide, iodised salt, and rock salt.

Cost & Oversight

• Estimated project cost: ₹3.21 crore (~$384,000).
• Approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after safety and technical reviews.
• The plan may be rescheduled if favorable clouds do not form by July 3.

Why It Matters

Delhi frequently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. This artificial rain effort aims to wash out fine particulate matter and temporarily relieve hazardous smog levels.

Officials are calling it an emergency experiment, not a permanent solution, but one that, if successful, may be repeated in future winters.

Does It Work?

Cloud seeding has been used globally with mixed results. It can boost rainfall by 5–15% under the right atmospheric conditions but requires natural clouds to be present.

Experts emphasize that the method is safe and poses no known environmental or health risks in the small quantities being used.

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