Delhi is gearing up for its first cloud seeding experiment aimed at inducing artificial rainfall and curbing the city’s persistent winter pollution. However, with the government allocating a budget of ₹3.21 crore for the exercise, only a fraction of the capital will be covered.
According to Times of India, cloud seeding in Delhi costs roughly ₹1 lakh per square kilometre. With the current budget, the operation can cover about 321 square kilometres—far below Delhi’s total area of 1,484 square kilometres. The trial will therefore focus on select regions, primarily the northwestern parts of the city such as Burari, where conditions are suitable for artificial rain formation.
Why Kanpur and not Delhi?
The aircraft conducting the cloud seeding will depart from Kanpur rather than Delhi due to airport permission restrictions. Authorities explained that the Cessna used for dispersing silver iodide or salt particles cannot operate directly from Delhi’s airports, which are restricted for commercial and experimental flights of this nature. Once airborne from Kanpur, the aircraft will fly over the designated northwestern zones to release particles into moisture-laden clouds, a method designed to encourage the formation of raindrops.
How cloud seeding works
Cloud seeding involves introducing substances such as silver iodide or salt particles into clouds containing sufficient moisture. These particles act as nuclei, causing smaller water droplets in clouds to coalesce into larger drops that eventually fall as rain. The process is intended to wash out airborne pollutants temporarily, improving visibility and air quality in targeted areas. Officials have noted that rainfall could occur within 20 to 30 minutes if weather conditions are favorable.
A first step for Delhi
This trial represents a significant technological intervention to address Delhi’s chronic pollution. While the current budget restricts the scale of the operation, authorities emphasize that the trial is a starting point. Success could pave the way for future expansions, contingent on favorable weather conditions, additional funding, and regulatory approvals.
The experiment is part of a broader initiative by the Delhi government in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and supported by multiple central and state agencies. With careful monitoring, authorities hope the trial will offer insights into using cloud seeding as a practical tool against severe winter pollution in the capital.
According to Times of India, cloud seeding in Delhi costs roughly ₹1 lakh per square kilometre. With the current budget, the operation can cover about 321 square kilometres—far below Delhi’s total area of 1,484 square kilometres. The trial will therefore focus on select regions, primarily the northwestern parts of the city such as Burari, where conditions are suitable for artificial rain formation.
Why Kanpur and not Delhi?
The aircraft conducting the cloud seeding will depart from Kanpur rather than Delhi due to airport permission restrictions. Authorities explained that the Cessna used for dispersing silver iodide or salt particles cannot operate directly from Delhi’s airports, which are restricted for commercial and experimental flights of this nature. Once airborne from Kanpur, the aircraft will fly over the designated northwestern zones to release particles into moisture-laden clouds, a method designed to encourage the formation of raindrops.How cloud seeding works
Cloud seeding involves introducing substances such as silver iodide or salt particles into clouds containing sufficient moisture. These particles act as nuclei, causing smaller water droplets in clouds to coalesce into larger drops that eventually fall as rain. The process is intended to wash out airborne pollutants temporarily, improving visibility and air quality in targeted areas. Officials have noted that rainfall could occur within 20 to 30 minutes if weather conditions are favorable.Pilot regions and expectations
Given the budget limitations, only a small portion of Delhi will benefit from the trial. The northwestern districts, including Burari and nearby zones, have been selected for the exercise. Authorities hope that even limited rainfall will help reduce particulate matter and provide immediate relief from the city’s “very poor” air quality levels, which have remained high post-Diwali.A first step for Delhi
This trial represents a significant technological intervention to address Delhi’s chronic pollution. While the current budget restricts the scale of the operation, authorities emphasize that the trial is a starting point. Success could pave the way for future expansions, contingent on favorable weather conditions, additional funding, and regulatory approvals.The experiment is part of a broader initiative by the Delhi government in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and supported by multiple central and state agencies. With careful monitoring, authorities hope the trial will offer insights into using cloud seeding as a practical tool against severe winter pollution in the capital.
