NEW DELHI: In a landmark step toward combating air pollution, Delhi earlier this week successfully carried out its first-ever cloud seeding trial flight, marking a significant milestone in the capital’s efforts to explore artificial rain as an innovative solution to its recurring pollution crisis. However, environmental experts have expressed strong reservations about the initiative.
The proving flight, jointly conducted by the Delhi Government’s Environment Department and IIT Kanpur, was aimed at testing the readiness of the aircraft, the functioning of cloud-seeding flares, and inter-agency coordination ahead of the large-scale operations scheduled between October 28 and 30.
Leading the initiative, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa hailed the trial as a major step forward in the city’s scientific approach to air quality management.
“I would like to thank Hon’ble Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for her leadership and Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his blessings, because of which all permissions for this novel effort were received in time,” Sirsa said. “The flight was a success in every technical parameter. We have now completed all required trials, including flare tests, fitment checks, and coordination protocols.”
The four-hour-long flight took off from IIT Kanpur’s airstrip, tracing the route Kanpur – Meerut – Khekra – Burari – Sadakpur – Bhojpur – Aligarh – Kanpur. Cloud-seeding flares were fired between Khekra and Burari, where a few patches of clouds were available for testing purposes.
As per the pilot’s report and Windy professional system data, skies over Delhi remained mostly clear, except for two small cloud formations near Burari that allowed successful flare deployment—validating the operational performance of the aircraft and seeding equipment.
The test employed the pyro method, in which flares containing silver iodide and sodium chloride are ignited and dispersed into the atmosphere through aircraft-mounted systems to stimulate condensation and rainfall when adequate moisture conditions exist.
Sirsa stated that the success of this proving flight confirms Delhi’s full preparedness for its upcoming artificial rain mission.
“Delhi is ready to witness its first artificial rainfall experiment. All systems—from aircraft to meteorological and environmental monitoring—are now in place. The only factor we await is suitable cloud conditions, expected around October 29–30, when the actual seeding operations will take place,” he said.
The Environment Department will maintain close coordination with IIT Kanpur, aviation regulators, and meteorological agencies to ensure the upcoming operations are conducted with precision, safety, and scientific accuracy.
Officials hailed the effort as a “turning point” in Delhi’s pollution-control strategy, describing it as a bold, science-based initiative to address rising air pollution levels through technological innovation. If successful, the artificial rain project could help reduce particulate matter concentration and temporarily improve air quality, especially as the city enters its most polluted period of the year.
“This initiative reflects Delhi’s determination to adopt innovation and science-driven solutions under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta,” Sirsa added.
With all technical trials successfully completed and systems verified, Delhi is now set to make history later this month when artificial rain trials are formally conducted—a first for any Indian city in its ongoing battle against pollution.
However, environmental experts have expressed strong reservations about the initiative. Environmental activist Jaidhar Gupta, while talking to Sunday Guardian, criticized the government’s move, arguing that it diverts attention from addressing pollution at its root. “Instead of implementing long-term measures and policy reforms to curb emissions at the source, the Delhi Government is once again opting for a shortcut that may further harm the environment,” Gupta said. “Silver iodide released during cloud seeding will enter our water, air, and soil, adding more toxicity and endangering public health. This initiative could be even more ineffective than smog towers—an expensive and short-term gimmick that wastes taxpayer money. Without policies targeting emission reduction, these steps are just one big ‘smogwash.’”
Gupta further warned that diverting atmospheric moisture for cloud seeding could deprive farmers of essential rainfall, exacerbating agricultural stress.
“The impact of cloud seeding on Delhi’s air will, at best, be temporary. The city experiences toxic air for nearly nine to ten months a year—how do we justify such a costly experiment for a short-lived effect?” he added.
