The city’s Cabinet has sanctioned a ₹3.21 crore initiative to conduct five cloud-seeding trials.
This project, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur), aims to induce artificial rain to alleviate the capital’s deteriorating air quality. The trials are scheduled to commence between late May and June, contingent upon obtaining necessary approvals from various departments and stakeholders. Each trial is projected to cost ₹55 lakh, with an additional ₹66 lakh allocated for one-time setup expenses, including aircraft calibration, chemical storage, and logistical arrangements. The cumulative expenditure for the project stands at ₹3.21 crore.
Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances like silver iodide into clouds to stimulate precipitation. The process is expected to cover approximately 100 square kilometres per sortie, targeting areas on the city’s periphery where pollution levels are particularly high. IIT-Kanpur will oversee the planning, execution, and management of these trials, utilizing their aircraft equipped with the necessary modifications for cloud seeding. The institute’s prior experience in weather modification and atmospheric research positions it as a suitable partner for this endeavor.
The initiative is part of Delhi’s broader strategy to explore scientific methods for improving air quality, complementing existing measures such as AI-based monitoring and continuous surveillance of pollution hotspots. While cloud seeding offers a novel approach to mitigating air pollution, experts caution that its effectiveness is contingent upon favorable weather conditions, including adequate cloud cover and humidity levels. Moreover, the induced rainfall is expected to provide temporary relief, necessitating the implementation of long-term solutions to address the root causes of pollution.
As Delhi prepares for these trials, the success of the initiative could pave the way for similar interventions in other regions grappling with severe air pollution. However, continuous evaluation and integration with comprehensive environmental policies will be crucial to achieving sustainable improvements in air quality.
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