The national capital is gearing up for a groundbreaking initiative aimed at clearing its polluted skies. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that Delhi is ready to conduct its first-ever artificial rain through cloud seeding, following a successful trial in the Burari area. The move comes in response to the city’s worsening air quality after Diwali, when pollution levels soared to the “very poor” category.
A Milestone in Pollution Control
According to CM Gupta, experts from IIT Kanpur carried out a successful cloud-seeding test on Thursday. The team used specialized pyrotechnic flares containing silver iodide and sodium chloride, deploying them between Khekra and Burari to assess the system’s readiness. All technical parameters — from flight coordination to flare performance — were completed successfully, marking a significant milestone in Delhi’s efforts to battle escalating air pollution.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted cloud presence on October 28, 29, and 30. If conditions remain favorable, Delhi is expected to witness its first artificial rainfall on October 29. Referring to the plan as a “scientific step toward a cleaner environment,” Gupta stated that the project represents a major advancement in adopting technology to achieve environmental balance.
Collaboration and Next Steps
This ambitious project is a collaboration between the Delhi government, IIT Kanpur, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. The initiative received approval from 23 departments, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA has authorized the seeding flights under visual flight rules between October and November, allowing IIT Kanpur’s Cessna 206-H aircraft to conduct the operations.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized that while preparations are complete, the actual seeding will only occur when suitable clouds appear. Earlier in the week, he explained, “Cloud seeding can take place only when there are clouds. Once conditions align, the trial will begin immediately.”
Hope for the Future
The experiment may become a game-changer for Delhi’s pollution control strategy. Artificial rain could significantly reduce the particulate matter that contributes to winter smog by washing pollutants out of the atmosphere. CM Gupta expressed optimism, calling the step a “historic beginning in Delhi’s fight against pollution” and a “scientific solution rooted in innovation.”
As the city looks toward October 29, residents await a downpour that could bring a breath of fresh air—literally and symbolically—ushering in a cleaner, clearer future for the capital.
