Delhi Conducts Cloud Seeding Trials Amid Severe Pollution Crisis

The Delhi government has initiated two cloud-seeding trials near the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in a bid to combat the city's persistent air pollution crisis. This comes as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a concerning 369 on November 3, 2026, with forecasts indicating a potential escalation to severe pollution levels in the coming days. The recent trials, conducted at an altitude of approximately 30,000 meters, follow a previous attempt in 2025 that failed to yield any rainfall despite an expenditure exceeding ₹1 crore.

The latest cloud-seeding operations were carried out in the last 15 days, aiming to assess whether artificial rainfall could alleviate the hazardous air quality in Delhi. The trials involved the release of eight chemical flares containing silver iodide and sodium chloride, substances known for their potential to stimulate precipitation. However, the earlier trials conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in 2025 did not produce any rain, raising questions about the efficacy of such interventions.

According to official records reviewed by DotMR, the previous project, which cost over ₹1 crore, was deemed unsuccessful due to insufficient atmospheric moisture levels, estimated at a mere 10-15%. This lack of moisture was identified as a critical factor that hindered the cloud seeding process, as the technique relies heavily on existing cloud conditions to induce rainfall.

Delhi's air quality has been deteriorating consistently, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting that 18 out of 59 monitoring stations recorded 'severe' pollution levels. Jahangirpuri, a locality in the capital, registered the highest AQI of 454, indicating a dire situation for residents. The CPCB categorizes an AQI of 401-500 as 'severe', which poses significant health risks to the population.

The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) has projected that pollution levels are likely to remain in the 'very poor' category before worsening to 'severe' between November 6 and November 8, coinciding with the Diwali festivities. This timing raises concerns about the health implications for millions of residents who will be celebrating during this period.

In light of the worsening air quality, the Delhi Environment Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Kanpur on September 25, 2025, to explore artificial rainfall as a potential solution to combat pollution. Despite the setbacks from previous trials, government sources have indicated that further attempts at cloud seeding are planned after the Diwali and Chhath festivals.

Officials have stated that the government is unlikely to make an official announcement regarding these future operations before the festive period. This lack of transparency raises questions about the effectiveness of the government's approach to addressing the air quality crisis.

Cloud seeding is a weather-modification technique that aims to enhance precipitation by introducing specific chemicals into existing clouds. The process involves dispersing particles such as silver iodide and sodium chloride into the atmosphere, which serve as nuclei for moisture to condense upon, ultimately leading to rainfall. However, it is crucial to note that cloud seeding cannot create clouds or generate moisture from scratch; its success is contingent upon favorable atmospheric conditions.

The effectiveness of cloud seeding is influenced by several factors, including cloud composition, moisture content, and temperature. Given the current low moisture levels in Delhi's atmosphere, the prospects for successful cloud seeding remain uncertain, as evidenced by the previous trials.

As Delhi grapples with its air quality crisis, the reliance on cloud seeding as a quick fix raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of such measures. While the government continues to explore artificial rainfall as a potential solution, it is imperative to address the root causes of pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and construction dust.

The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive policies aimed at reducing pollution levels in the capital. As the government prepares for further cloud seeding trials, the health and well-being of Delhi's residents must remain a top priority.