Delhi Set for First Cloud-Seeding Trial by June-End

The Delhi government is poised to conduct its first cloud-seeding trial by the end of June 2025, pending final clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). With permissions from key agencies in place, the trial aims to explore the feasibility of artificially inducing rainfall during periods of high pollution, using technology developed by IIT Kanpur and logistical support from IMD and the Ministry of Defence.

Why in News?

The Environment Minister of Delhi, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, confirmed on June 19 that the state government has received near-final approvals for launching its ambitious cloud-seeding trial project. This pilot, budgeted at ₹3.21 crore, is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Delhi aimed at tackling pollution and water scarcity by inducing artificial rain, using a specially formulated seeding mixture containing silver iodide and salts.

Project Aim & Focus

• Primary Aim: To test the feasibility of cloud seeding during peak pollution seasons.
• Not focused on air quality improvements in this phase, though rain is known to reduce pollutants.

Key Highlights of the Project

• Trial Location: Outer parts of Delhi, avoiding VIP or restricted airspaces.
• Funding: ₹3.21 crore total; ₹55 lakh per trial; ₹66 lakh for logistics and chemical storage.
• Trial Plan: 5 flights covering a total of 100 sq. km.
• Timeline: Expected launch by June end, after IMD weather clearance.
• Flight Base: Hindon Air Base, Ghaziabad, approved by Ministry of Defence.

Technology & Science Behind It

Cloud Seeding Agent: A custom mixture including,

• Silver iodide (AgI)
• Powdered rock salt
• Iodized salt
• Free-flowing agents with both hygroscopic and glaciogenic properties
• Ideal Clouds: Nimbostratus (Ns) clouds at 500–6000 m altitude with 50%+ moisture.
• Environmental Impact: IIT Kanpur will monitor rainwater samples to check AgI residue; initial assessments show negligible environmental risk.

Approval & Coordination Agencies Involved

Clearances Required From,

• SPG
• CPCB
• Ministries of Environment, Defence, and Home
• DGCA, AAI, BCAS
• Uttar Pradesh Government
• India Meteorological Department (IMD)
• IMD’s Role: Will provide 6-hour forecasts on cloud density and moisture to plan flights.

What the Experts Say

• Sirsa: Trial is about testing seeding feasibility, not just air quality.
• IIT Kanpur: Impact of silver iodide is minimal, but post-rain data will confirm.