NEW DELHI: The first cloud-seeding trial have been conducted in parts of Delhi, including Burari and Karol Bagh areas, officials said on Tuesday.
Watch: This IIT-Kanpur aircraft conducted cloud seeding trial over Delhi According to officials, the aircraft took off from Kanpur and carried out the cloud-seeding exercise over Delhi.
Cloud seeding was conducted over Burari, North Karol Bagh, Bhojpur, Mayur Vihar, and Sadakpur areas. Humidity levels of 15–20% were reported in clouds over Delhi, and the city may witness rain between 5 and 6pm.
The trial, aimed at inducing artificial rain to combat air pollution in the national capital, is part of the Delhi government’s broader strategy to address deteriorating air quality during the winter months.
Last week, the government conducted a test flight over Burari, during which small quantities of silver iodide and sodium chloride—compounds used to trigger artificial rain—were released from the aircraft.
However, due to low atmospheric moisture levels of less than 20%, compared to the 50% typically required for cloud seeding, rainfall could not be induced.
Last week, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta described cloud seeding as a necessity for the national capital and a pioneering step toward addressing the city's persistent environmental challenges.
Speaking to ANI, Rekha Gupta said, "Cloud seeding is a necessity for Delhi and is the first experiment of its kind. We want to try it in Delhi to see if it can help us control this very serious environmental problem."
She added, "So the blessings of the people of Delhi are with the government, and we feel that this will be a successful experiment and in the future, we will be able to overcome these environmental problems."
What is cloud seeding?Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that introduces chemicals such as silver iodide (AgI) or salt particles into clouds to trigger rain. These particles act as nuclei, allowing moisture to condense into ice crystals that eventually form raindrops.
The method can help increase rainfall, reduce pollution, and improve air quality by washing out airborne pollutants from the atmosphere.
However, it requires suitable cloud conditions with enough moisture to be effective.
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