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Chief Minister Rekha Gupta signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Kanpur to conduct the city’s first-ever cloud seeding trials. This move essentially proposes using ‘artificial rain’ as a new weapon against Delhi’s toxic winter smog.
The first trials are scheduled between October 7 and 11, focusing on north and northwest Delhi. This pilot project, estimated to cost Rs 3.5 crore, will see an IIT Kanpur Cessna aircraft take off from Hindon Air Base to combat air pollution. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa was also present at the signing ceremony at the Delhi Secretariat.
The core goal of this project is to test cloud seeding’s viability in reducing pollution during the critical winter months. “We are now adding cloud seeding to provide relief to citizens during the peak winter pollution period,” the Chief Minister stated. She called the artificial rain trials a “historic milestone” for the city. Environment Minister Sirsa confirmed the pilot nature of the project. He said five trials are planned within the October 7-11 window. The exact schedule will be determined by weather conditions, and results from the initial operations will guide subsequent planning. The minister stressed that the aircraft is fully equipped and will be operated by trained pilots. The Government highlighted the extensive preparation required for the success of the project.It secured approvals from 13 different agencies, including aviation, defence, home, environment, and airport authorities. The coordination covered all flight safety aspects and site readiness, culminating in a DGCA permission for the October trials. This cloud seeding project is presented as an additional layer in Delhi’s existing multi-pronged strategy.
The city already employs mechanical road sweeping, anti-smog guns on high-rises, mist sprayers at hotspots, and strict dust control measures.
However, scientific opinion on cloud seeding’s effectiveness against smog remains mixed. While short-term relief by settling pollutants is possible, many experts caution against viewing it as a permanent solution to the city’s deeply rooted pollution sources.
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