Delhi’s Artificial Rain Experiment Fails to Deliver Results; IIT Kanpur claims 'low moisture in air'
Delhi’s Artificial Rain Experiment Fails to Deliver Results; IIT Kanpur claims 'low moisture in air'
New Delhi, Oct 29 : Delhi’s highly awaited cloud seeding project, aimed at producing artificial rain to combat worsening air pollution, did not yield the expected results. Despite aircraft releasing salt-based and silver iodide flares over various parts of the city, the effort failed due to low humidity and unfavourable weather conditions. Two separate attempts were made, but both produced only minimal precipitation.
Cost and Implementation
The project, managed by IIT Kanpur, has a total budget allocation of ₹3.2 crore for five planned trials. Out of these, three trials have already been conducted, utilizing approximately ₹1.9 crore so far. Despite failures in all three attempts, IIT Kanpur remains optimistic and aims to carry out up to nine trials within the same sanctioned budget.
Purpose of the Cloud Seeding Project
The initiative was launched as part of Delhi’s pollution control measures after the air quality dropped to the ‘severe’ category. Authorities planned up to five such trials to create artificial rainfall that could help cleanse the atmosphere of harmful pollutants. A specially equipped Cessna aircraft was deployed for the exercise, covering locations such as Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar.
Scientific Challenges Behind the Failure
Experts attributed the failed attempts to insufficient cloud moisture, which stood at just 10–15 percent—too low for rainfall formation. Although cloud formations were visible, they lacked the necessary vertical growth and liquid water concentration to trigger rain. The seeding flares, each weighing around two to 2.5 kilograms, were properly released, but the atmosphere was not supportive of the condensation process needed for raindrop generation.
Impact on Pollution Levels
While no significant rainfall occurred, minor improvements in air quality were recorded in certain parts of Delhi. Data from Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari showed PM2.5 levels dropping slightly from 221 to 207 and PM10 from 207 to 177. Light traces of rain, measuring 0.1 mm in Noida and 0.2 mm in Greater Noida, indicated limited localised effects from the seeding efforts.
Key Points for Reference
Cloud seeding uses silver iodide or salt particles to encourage rainfall.
Delhi’s mission operated from Kanpur and Meerut, targeting multiple zones across the NCR.
Moisture levels below 30 percent drastically lower success rates.
This was India’s first large-scale cloud seeding attempt aimed at reducing urban pollution.
Future of Artificial Rain in India
The outcome of Delhi’s experiment underscores the importance of precise meteorological conditions for successful cloud seeding. Scientists recommend future trials only during periods of adequate moisture, favourable temperature gradients, and suitable cloud structures. Although artificial rain can provide temporary relief from pollution, experts stress that lasting improvements depend on long-term strategies such as emission control, curbing stubble burning, and reducing vehicle-related pollution.
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