Delhi 'fully prepared' for artificial rain; aircraft ready in Meerut, awaiting IMD’s green signal

Artificial rain

The Delhi government is gearing up to attempt artificial rainfall through cloud seeding to help disperse the Capital’s notorious post-Diwali smog, with preparations in their final stages and official approval from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) pending.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Wednesday that the government is “fully prepared” to start the operation once IMD issues its final clearance and the weather turns favourable. “Our aircraft is ready at Meerut. The pilots have familiarised themselves with the flight path. We’re only waiting for IMD’s green signal and the right cloud conditions. If all goes well, the first trial could happen even on the day after Diwali or the following day,” Sirsa said.

According to HT, four days of successful trial flights have already been carried out over northwest Delhi, the designated target zone for the project. The initiative, estimated at Rs 3.21 crore, was approved by the Delhi Cabinet earlier this year.

It has secured clearances from over ten central and state agencies, including the Union environment ministry, defence and home ministries, the DGCA, BCAS, AAI and the Uttar Pradesh government. A memorandum of understanding with IIT Kanpur, the project's technical partner, was signed on September 25.

The seeding aircraft, a modified Cessna-206H, will release compounds such as silver iodide (AgI) into moisture-laden clouds to stimulate rainfall. Scientists from IIT Kanpur explained that nimbostratus clouds, situated between 500 and 6,000 metres, offer the most suitable conditions — but only if they contain at least 50% moisture.

Initially planned for May–June, the cloud seeding trials were repeatedly deferred due to prolonged monsoon activity and unpredictable weather patterns. After missing windows in August and early October, officials are now eyeing mid-October for a fresh attempt, depending on conditions.

The environmental benefits of the experiment could be significant if successful. Experts suggest that sustained rainfall could improve Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) by 50–80 points, potentially shifting air quality from “very poor” to “poor” or even “moderate” levels.

However, they warn that light drizzle would have negligible impact. “Wind speed, area of influence and rain intensity will determine the impact,” former CPCB air lab head Dipankar Saha was cited by HT. Still, some researchers remain cautious, expressing doubts over the feasibility of replicating cloud seeding results seen abroad.

Officials, however, remain optimistic that this pioneering attempt will offer valuable scientific insight into using weather modification as a tool for urban pollution management. If conducted as planned, Delhi could soon become the first Indian city to deploy cloud seeding specifically aimed at improving air quality rather than inducing rain during drought.