Delhi Trials Cloud Seeding to Combat Severe Smog Crisis

Authorities in New Delhi recently conducted a series of cloud-seeding experiments, aiming to induce artificial rainfall and alleviate the city's severe air pollution. This initiative, a direct response to the persistent and hazardous smog crisis, saw trials take place around October 23, 28, and 29, 2025, as reported by DD News and The Economic Times. The Delhi government, in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, spearheaded these efforts to improve public health and visibility in the Indian capital.

The cloud-seeding operations involved a Cessna aircraft dispersing silver iodide and salt-based flares into existing clouds over specific areas of Delhi, including Burari, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar, according to DD News. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed the trials, stating their purpose was to assess the potential for artificial rain under Delhi's real-life humidity conditions. The project received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other key departments.

Despite the efforts, the trials yielded mixed results, with significant rainfall largely absent in Delhi itself, as noted by The Hindu. IIT-Kanpur acknowledged that while trace precipitation was recorded in Noida and Greater Noida, the primary constraint was the low moisture content in the clouds, which was between 10-20%, far below the 50% typically required for effective seeding. This atmospheric condition posed a considerable challenge to the success of the artificial rain endeavor.

However, IIT-Kanpur's statement on October 29, 2025, indicated that the trials still provided valuable insights, showing a measurable reduction of 6-10% in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in areas where the exercise was conducted. This suggests that cloud seeding might contribute to improved air quality even under less-than-ideal moisture levels, according to Mint. The Delhi government had allocated Rs 3.21 crore for five such trials, as reported by The Economic Times.

The initiative has drawn criticism from some experts, who question its long-term efficacy and environmental implications. Professors Shahzad Gani and Krishna AchutaRao from Delhi's Centre for Atmospheric Sciences labeled the plan a "gimmick" and a "snake-oil solution," arguing it fails to address the root causes of pollution, The Guardian reported on October 24, 2025. They emphasized the need for stringent measures against emissions rather than temporary fixes.

This marks the third instance of cloud-seeding experimentation in Delhi since 1957, with previous trials conducted in 1957 and 1971-72, according to The Times of India. The current efforts highlight the desperation of authorities to find solutions for Delhi, which has been ranked as the world's most polluted city for over a decade, as stated by The Guardian. The ongoing smog crisis severely impacts public health and daily life, prompting urgent action.

The Delhi government remains committed to exploring artificial rainfall solutions, with Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stating that further trials would be conducted once atmospheric moisture levels improve, Mint reported. This ongoing commitment underscores the gravity of the air quality challenge and the continuous search for innovative, albeit debated, mitigation strategies in the capital.

• Historical Context of Cloud Seeding in India: India has a history of experimenting with cloud seeding, with the first recorded trial in Delhi dating back to 1957, followed by another in 1971-72, according to The Times of India. These earlier experiments, including those under the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) program, showed potential for rainfall enhancement, with some studies indicating an increase of up to 46% under favorable conditions. However, the effectiveness of the technique, particularly for pollution mitigation, remains a subject of ongoing debate and research.

• Technical Aspects and Challenges: Cloud seeding involves dispersing agents like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or sodium chloride into clouds to act as condensation nuclei, promoting droplet growth and precipitation, as explained by INSIGHTS IAS. The Delhi trials used a Cessna 206H aircraft for this purpose. A significant challenge encountered was the insufficient moisture content in Delhi's clouds (10-20%), far below the ideal 50% for effective seeding, according to skymet Weather. This highlights the critical dependence of cloud seeding on suitable atmospheric conditions, which are often absent during Delhi's peak pollution season.

• Root Causes of Delhi's Air Pollution: Delhi's severe air pollution is a complex issue stemming from multiple sources. Major contributors include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and waste burning, as detailed by Drishti IAS and Pollution Solutions Online. Seasonal factors, such as crop stubble burning in neighboring states during winter and temperature inversions, trap pollutants, exacerbating the smog crisis, according to Climate Impacts Tracker Asia. Diwali fireworks also contribute significantly to the spike in pollution levels.

• Health and Economic Implications: The hazardous air quality in Delhi has profound health consequences, leading to increased risks of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and reduced life expectancy, as highlighted by Climate Impacts Tracker Asia. A 2021 study cited by the same source estimated a 10-year reduction in life expectancy for Delhi residents due to air pollution. Beyond health, the smog crisis impacts visibility, disrupts daily life, and carries significant economic costs through healthcare burdens and lost productivity.

• Expert Skepticism and Alternative Solutions: While the Delhi government views cloud seeding as a potential short-term solution, many experts remain skeptical. Professors Gani and AchutaRao, writing in The Hindu newspaper, criticized the approach as a "gimmick" that distracts from addressing fundamental issues, The Guardian reported. They, along with other environmentalists, advocate for long-term solutions such as improving public transportation, transitioning to cleaner energy, better waste management, and stricter enforcement against industrial and vehicular emissions, as noted by Observer Research Foundation and Drishti IAS.

• Government's Broader Air Quality Management Strategy: The cloud-seeding trials are part of a broader strategy by the Delhi government to combat air pollution. This includes implementing measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP II), banning non-BS-VI compliant commercial vehicles, and deploying water sprinklers, as reported by The Times of India. These initiatives aim to provide both immediate relief and contribute to a more sustainable reduction in pollution levels, although their combined effectiveness is still under scrutiny.

• Future Outlook and Public Perception: The future of cloud seeding in Delhi depends on improved atmospheric conditions and further evaluation of its efficacy. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa indicated that trials would continue when moisture levels are more favorable, according to Mint. However, public perception and media reports reveal skepticism regarding the actual impact and lasting benefits of artificial rain without tackling the primary sources of pollution, Skymet Weather noted. The debate continues between emergency mitigation and comprehensive, long-term environmental policy.