For the first time ever, Delhi is preparing to create artificial rain to help reduce air pollution in the city.
A cloud seeding operation is being planned between July 4 and 11, according to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. The plan has been sent to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for approval and coordination.
Why Artificial Rain?
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that the goal is to give people clean air — something he called a basic right. He shared that current weather conditions won’t allow the cloud seeding before July 3, but there is hope to conduct it after that.
He explained that this is a bold step by the government to find new ways to fight pollution. A proposal has also been sent to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for permission to fly the seeding aircraft.
Political Accusations
Some political parties have criticized the idea. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the central government and BJP of not supporting the plan. In response, Sirsa said that his government has already taken action—by signing the required agreements, making payments, and applying for clearances. He emphasized that real work is being done.
How Will Artificial Rain Be Created?
The project is called ‘Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation.’
Here’s how it works:
- 5 aircraft flights will be carried out, each lasting around 90 minutes.
- The planes will cover about 100 square kilometers in northwest and outer Delhi.
- A modified Cessna aircraft will release a special mixture into the clouds using flare systems.
- The seeding mixture contains silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt.
- This mixture helps form raindrops in clouds that already have moisture. The rain will help wash away pollutants from the air.
This is a new and bold move by the Delhi government to tackle the serious problem of air pollution. If successful, it could become a model for other cities facing similar issues.
