In a decisive step towards mitigating air pollution, the Delhi Cabinet has approved a ₹3.21 crore project to conduct five cloud-seeding trials across the National Capital Region (NCR). The initiative, led by the Delhi Environment Department in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, seeks to explore artificial rainmaking as a contingency solution during periods of severe air pollution.
Why in News?
On May 8, 2025, the Delhi Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, greenlit a pilot project involving five cloud-seeding experiments in NCR. The first trial is expected to take place by June 2025, following mandatory approvals from 13 inter-ministerial and inter-agency bodies.
Key Details
- Total Budget: ₹3.21 crore
- ₹2.75 crore for five trials
- ₹66 lakh as one-time setup cost (aircraft calibration, chemical storage, logistics)
- Implementing Agency: IIT Kanpur
- Target Area: 100 sq km on the outskirts of Delhi
- Trial Timeline: First trial expected by end of May or June 2025
- Monitoring: AI-based surveillance and 24×7 monitoring at pollution hotspots
Objectives of the Cloud-Seeding Project
- Induce artificial rainfall to reduce air pollution
- Enhance precipitation in the region
- Evaluate the feasibility and environmental impact of cloud seeding
- Serve as a backup strategy during pollution emergencies
Required Clearances (13 in total)
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Airports Authority of India (AAI)
Background
- Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique where chemicals like silver iodide or sodium chloride are dispersed into clouds to enhance rainfall.
- It has been explored globally but remains controversial due to uncertain long-term effects and cost-effectiveness.
Significance
- Represents Delhi’s technological push to fight environmental crises
- Could set a precedent for other polluted metros
- Encourages interdisciplinary research between environmental science and technology
| Summary/Static | Details |
| Why in the news? | Delhi to Conduct Five Cloud-Seeding Trials with IIT-Kanpur’s Expertise |
| Project Name | Cloud-Seeding Trials in NCR |
| Approved By | Delhi Cabinet |
| Total Cost | ₹3.21 crore |
| Implementing Agency | IIT Kanpur |
| Area of First Trial | 100 sq km, Delhi periphery |
| Trial Count | 5 |
| Timeline | May–June 2025 |
| Monitoring | AI-based surveillance at pollution hotspots |
| Key Objective | Reduce air pollution via induced rainfall |
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