Tue Oct 28 01:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Gears Up for Artificial Rain Experiment to Combat Pollution
New Delhi: In a bid to combat Delhi’s notorious air pollution, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is set to conduct its first artificial rain experiment in the capital today, weather permitting. The initiative aims to reduce pollution levels by employing cloud seeding technology.
The process involves dispersing chemicals, such as silver iodide and sodium chloride, from aircraft into the clouds to stimulate rainfall. According to the Meteorological Department, if weather conditions are favorable, the trial will proceed, potentially providing relief from Delhi’s hazardous air quality.
“The army aircraft flight will reach Delhi from Kanpur on Tuesday. If the weather is favorable, we can test artificial rain,” said Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. “Everything depends on the weather.”
This test is part of a broader strategy by the Delhi government to mitigate air pollution, especially during the winter months when air quality deteriorates significantly. Preparations for the long-awaited artificial rain trials have been completed, with a test flight conducted over Burari last week.
However, previous attempts have been hampered by unsuitable weather conditions, including low atmospheric moisture levels. Cloud seeding typically requires a humidity level of at least 50%, while recent trials encountered levels below 20%.
Despite previous delays due to unfavorable weather and monsoon conditions, officials are hopeful that this trial will be successful, potentially paving the way for a viable solution to Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis.
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