Wed Oct 22 14:40:41 UTC 2025: News Article:

Delhi’s Artificial Rain Experiment Remains Grounded, Cloud Cover Blamed

New Delhi, October 22, 2025 – Delhi’s highly anticipated artificial rain experiment, aimed at combating the city’s persistent pollution problem, remains on hold after repeated postponements. The latest setback is attributed to a lack of suitable cloud cover, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa told PTI that the trial, initially planned for after Deepavali, has no prospective window until October 25th. “The day we get suitable clouds, we will conduct the trial immediately,” Sirsa stated, emphasizing that all necessary preparations, including permissions and flight arrangements, are in place.

This is the latest in a series of delays for the BJP-led government’s cloud seeding project. Originally slated for July, the experiment has been hampered by the monsoon, shifting weather patterns, and disturbances. Now, the absence of ideal cloud formations presents yet another obstacle.

An aircraft equipped for cloud seeding is currently stationed in Meerut, under the supervision of a team from IIT Kanpur. Last month, the Delhi government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Kanpur for five cloud seeding trials to be conducted in northwest Delhi.

The project, approved by 23 departments, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), seeks to determine if artificial rain can offer a viable solution to Delhi’s annual winter pollution crisis. Funds have already been transferred to IIT Kanpur, which will deploy its own Cessna 206-H aircraft (VT-IIT) for the operation.

The DGCA has authorized cloud seeding operations between October 1st and November 30th, under strict safety and air traffic control guidelines. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and the IMD are also involved in the project. While the city grapples with “Very Poor” air quality following Deepavali celebrations, hope remains that the cloud seeding project will eventually take flight.

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