The Delhi Government’s first artificial rain pilot project is set for launch with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) formally approving the meteorological feasibility of cloud seeding over the National Capital Region. As soon as favourable cloud conditions —particularly sufficient moisture and depth — are observed, cloud seeding flights will begin.
The project, titled “Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation,†is being carried out in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, which will oversee the scientific and technical execution of the operation.
The IMD will provide real-time data on cloud types, altitude, wind direction, and dew points to guide flight planning. “This is a national-first, rooted in science and precision. We are ready in all respects, and now only waiting for the right clouds,†said Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
“Artificial rain is not just a response to pollution, it’s a signal of our scientific commitment to cleaner air,†he added.
IIT Kanpur will use specially equipped Cessna aircraft with flare-based cloud seeding systems. The flares will contain a proprietary mix of Silver Iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt.
Five sorties are planned, with each flight lasting around 90 minutes and covering about 100 square kilometres in northwest and outer Delhi.
Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) will measure changes in pollution levels, especially PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, before and after the flights.
Previous in-house trials by IIT Kanpur in drought-hit regions have shown successful results, and this pilot seeks to evaluate the pollution mitigation potential of artificial rain in Delhi’s urban setting.
The Rs 3.21 crore project is fully funded by the Department of Environment, GNCTD.
