In a major step to tackle Delhi’s worsening air pollution, scientists have successfully carried out artificial rain trials using cloud seeding over the national capital. Officials have confirmed that the experiment — aimed at cleaning the city’s toxic air — has been a success, raising hopes for real rainfall in the coming days.
What Happened in Delhi’s Cloud Seeding Trial
The artificial rain experiment was conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Delhi government, marking the first time such a large-scale operation has been attempted in the region.
A special aircraft was flown over Delhi-NCR skies, spraying silver iodide and other particles into moisture-laden clouds to trigger rainfall. According to officials, early signs suggest the process worked as expected — the clouds responded positively, and rainfall could begin shortly in several parts of Delhi.
Why Was Artificial Rain Needed?
Delhi’s air quality had reached severe levels over the past few weeks, with the city blanketed in thick smog. Visibility dropped, and pollution levels crossed the “hazardous” mark. Cloud seeding was seen as a last-resort measure to help wash away pollutants from the atmosphere and bring some relief to residents.
Experts say even a short spell of rain can drastically reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels, improving the city’s air quality within hours.
How Does Cloud Seeding Work?
Cloud seeding is a scientific method where aircraft release chemicals like silver iodide, potassium chloride, or dry ice into clouds. These particles act as “seeds” around which water droplets can form, leading to artificial rainfall.
This method has been successfully used in countries like the United States, China, and the UAE to induce rain during dry spells or to reduce air pollution.
What Officials Are Saying
An official from IIT Kanpur’s research team said,
“The weather conditions were favorable, and we successfully completed the seeding operation. The results are promising — we expect rainfall within the next few hours.”
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai also expressed optimism, calling the trial a “major milestone” in India’s fight against air pollution. He added that if successful, similar operations could be carried out in other polluted regions.
Could This Be Delhi’s Game-Changer?
If artificial rain becomes a regular feature during peak pollution months, Delhi might finally have a temporary solution to its annual smog crisis. However, experts also caution that this is not a long-term fix, as cloud seeding depends heavily on weather conditions — it only works when suitable clouds are present.
What’s Next?
Meteorological officials said favorable conditions will continue for a few more days, and if natural or artificial rainfall occurs, it will significantly clear Delhi’s toxic air. Another round of cloud seeding might be planned depending on upcoming weather reports.
Interesting Facts About Cloud Seeding
- The first cloud seeding experiment in India took place in 1973 in Maharashtra.
- China uses cloud seeding regularly to control weather during big events like the Olympics.
- The process cannot create clouds — it only enhances existing ones.
- Artificial rain does not harm the environment when done under scientific supervision.
- UAE spends millions every year on cloud seeding to increase rainfall.
FAQs
1. What is cloud seeding?
Cloud seeding is a technique used to induce rainfall by dispersing chemicals like silver iodide into clouds, helping water droplets form and fall as rain.
2. Who conducted the artificial rain in Delhi?
The operation was led by IIT Kanpur scientists in collaboration with the Delhi government and supported by meteorological experts.
3. Will artificial rain solve Delhi’s pollution problem?
It can provide short-term relief by reducing pollutants in the air, but it’s not a permanent solution.
4. Is artificial rain safe?
Yes, the chemicals used in modern cloud seeding are non-toxic and safe for the environment when used under controlled conditions.
5. When can Delhi expect rain after cloud seeding?
Officials say that rain is likely within hours or days of the seeding operation if weather conditions remain favorable.
