Delhi to Conduct Five Cloud-Seeding Trials with IIT-Kanpur’s Expertise

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