Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Delhi’s Artificial Rain Plan To Fight Toxic Smog Fails— Here’s Why It Didn’t Work

artificial cloud seeding delhi

<strong><span rel="noindex">Artificial Cloud Seeding Delhi</span>:</strong> Delhi has long struggled with toxic air. The city often records high pollution levels throughout the year, and in an effort to provide cleaner air to residents, the Delhi government has been exploring cloud seeding or artificial rain for several months.

After more than five decades, Delhi finally carried out cloud seeding trials to trigger artificial rain and bring down rising pollution levels. The project was a joint effort between the Delhi government and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, conducted in areas such as Burari, Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Badli. 

However, the experiment failed, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) did not record any rainfall in the city.

<h2>Why Cloud Seeding Failed in Delhi?</h2>

According to an NDTV report, IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal said the attempt was “not completely successful” because the clouds did not have enough moisture. “For rain to form, moisture levels of at least 50 percent are ideal,” he said. “Today’s clouds only had about 15–20 percent moisture, which reduced the chances of rainfall.”

Despite the low humidity, Agrawal said the exercise gave researchers valuable experience and confidence that the method could work under more favorable conditions. While Delhi saw no rainfall, small traces were recorded in Noida (0.1 mm) and Greater Noida (0.2 mm). Two more flights will be carried out once suitable clouds appear.

A report released by the Delhi government on Tuesday evening showed a slight drop in pollution levels in areas where the seeding took place. According to PTI, PM2.5 levels fell marginally in Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa called it a “major scientific step” in tackling air pollution and said more trials, possibly up to 10, will be conducted until February if the results remain encouraging.

Cloud seeding involves adding substances like silver iodide or dry ice to clouds to encourage rainfall or snowfall, reduce hail, or clear fog. It can be carried out using aircraft, rockets, or ground-based equipment.

The formula developed by IIT Kanpur includes silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. These particles act as ice nuclei, helping moisture in the clouds condense and form rain. However, the process depends heavily on having the right level of humidity and moisture in the atmosphere.

<h2>Will a Third Round of Cloud Seeding Take Place?</h2>

A third round of trials is likely later this week, depending on IMD confirmation of suitable cloud conditions. Similar operations are expected in the coming days. Sirsa told ANI that IIT Kanpur has been collecting large-scale samples during the experiments and will submit a detailed report soon.

Globally, cloud seeding has produced mixed outcomes. China has reported success with using rockets, cannons, and drones to manage rainfall, including before the Olympics. In contrast, the United Arab Emirates faced criticism after last year’s floods in Dubai, raising questions about the method’s safety and reliability.

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Artificial Cloud Seeding Delhi: Delhi has long struggled with toxic air. The city often records high pollution levels throughout the year, and in an effort to provide cleaner air to residents, the Delhi government has been exploring cloud seeding or artificial rain for several months.After more than five decades, Delhi finally carried out cloud seeding trials to trigger artificial rain and bring down rising pollution levels. The project was a joint effort between the Delhi government and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, conducted in areas such as Burari, Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Badli. However, the experiment failed, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) did not record any rainfall in the city.Why Cloud Seeding Failed in Delhi?According to an NDTV report, IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal said the attempt was “not completely successful” because the clouds did not have enough moisture. “For rain to form, moisture levels of at least 50 percent are ideal,” he said. “Today’s clouds only had about 15–20 percent moisture, which reduced the chances of rainfall.”Despite the low humidity, Agrawal said the exercise gave researchers valuable experience and confidence that the method could work under more favorable conditions. While Delhi saw no rainfall, small traces were recorded in Noida (0.1 mm) and Greater Noida (0.2 mm). Two more flights will be carried out once suitable clouds appear.A report released by the Delhi government on Tuesday evening showed a slight drop in pollution levels in areas where the seeding took place. According to PTI, PM2.5 levels fell marginally in Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa called it a “major scientific step” in tackling air pollution and said more trials, possibly up to 10, will be conducted until February if the results remain encouraging.What Is Cloud Seeding?Cloud seeding involves adding substances like silver iodide or dry ice to clouds to encourage rainfall or snowfall, reduce hail, or clear fog. It can be carried out using aircraft, rockets, or ground-based equipment.The formula developed by IIT Kanpur includes silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. These particles act as ice nuclei, helping moisture in the clouds condense and form rain. However, the process depends heavily on having the right level of humidity and moisture in the atmosphere.Will a Third Round of Cloud Seeding Take Place?A third round of trials is likely later this week, depending on IMD confirmation of suitable cloud conditions. Similar operations are expected in the coming days. Sirsa told ANI that IIT Kanpur has been collecting large-scale samples during the experiments and will submit a detailed report soon.Globally, cloud seeding has produced mixed outcomes. China has reported success with using rockets, cannons, and drones to manage rainfall, including before the Olympics. In contrast, the United Arab Emirates faced criticism after last year’s floods in Dubai, raising questions about the method’s safety and reliability.