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The initiative was led by the Delhi government in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
Aircraft for cloud seeding in Delhi took off from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Delhi carried out an artificial rain operation on Tuesday in an effort to tackle the city’s severe air pollution. Officials said the cloud-seeding process, which took place in Burari, Mayur Vihar and Karol Bagh, has concluded for now, with the possibility of another round later in the evening depending on weather conditions.
The operation marks Delhi’s maiden experiment with artificial rain as a pollution-control measure. Aircraft equipped with cloud-seeding flares flew into moisture-laden clouds and released particles such as silver iodide and salt-based compounds to induce rainfall.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the step was part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address Delhi’s pollution crisis.
“We’re constantly discussing the issue of artificial rain, as we’re taking countless steps to address Delhi’s pollution. We’ve also given cloud seeding a trial, hoping to see if it can solve Delhi’s pollution problem. This is an experiment. Let’s see what comes of it. If the experiment is successful, I believe a solution that will be very important for Delhiites will emerge,” she said.
“This is new for all of us, as it’s the first time in Delhi. But I pray that this trial is successful and that Delhi benefits from it,” she added.
Officials said the operation was conducted under suitable atmospheric conditions and could help settle airborne pollutants temporarily if successful. The results are being closely monitored, and further rounds may be conducted if the weather remains favorable.
How Cloud-Seeing Process Was Carried Out?
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa told news agency ANI that a second trial of cloud seeding was also conducted by IIT Kanpur using a Cessna aircraft, which entered Delhi from the direction of Meerut. The operation covered areas including Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh and Mayur Vihar, where eight flares- each weighing about 2 to 2.5 kilograms- were fired into clouds containing 15–20% humidity.
The process lasted around half an hour, with each flare burning for approximately two to two-and-a-half minutes. After completing the mission, the aircraft returned to Meerut. The minister added that a second sortie and a third trial were planned for later in the day, depending on weather conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), winds were blowing northward, meaning the clouds could drift toward Outer Delhi.
IIT Kanpur’s Role In The Initiative
The aircraft used for the operation took off from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The entire initiative was led by the Delhi government in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, which provided technical expertise and operational support.
IIT Kanpur researchers, who have conducted similar experiments in other states, supervised the cloud-seeding process and analyzed meteorological data to identify the most suitable conditions for artificial rainfall. The institute is expected to evaluate the results and share detailed findings with the Delhi government in the coming days.
What Is Cloud Seeding And When Can Delhi Expect Rain?
Cloud seeding is a scientific technique used to stimulate rainfall by dispersing substances such as silver iodide, sodium chloride or potassium chloride into clouds. These particles act as nuclei around which water droplets can form, increasing the likelihood of precipitation.
As per IIT Kanpur’s projections, the seeded clouds over Delhi could produce rainfall between 15 minutes and four hours after the operation, depending on temperature, humidity and wind movement. Officials said more trials are likely to continue through the coming days, with as many as nine to ten sorties planned daily if weather conditions permit.
If successful, the artificial rain initiative could provide short-term relief from Delhi’s worsening air quality and pave the way for a long-term strategy to combat winter smog in the capital.
Delhi, India, India
October 28, 2025, 14:49 IST
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