Delhi Cabinet Approves Cloud-Seeding Trials to Combat Air Pollution

In a significant step to address the chronic air pollution problem in the national capital, the Delhi Cabinet approved a proposal on Wednesday to conduct five cloud-seeding trials under the supervision of IIT Kanpur. The project has a total budget of ₹3.21 crore and aims to utilize artificial rain as a method to reduce airborne pollutants in and around Delhi.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that each trial will cost approximately ₹55 lakh, totaling ₹2.75 crore for all five trials. An additional ₹66 lakh will be allocated for logistics, equipment calibration, and preparatory measures. The initiative, approved under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is part of the city’s broader environmental strategy, which also includes AI-based pollution monitoring and 24/7 hotspot surveillance.

Sirsa described the project as a “crucial initiative,” stating, “Cloud seeding could be deployed as a contingency tool during peak air pollution periods. This will enhance our ongoing efforts to tackle Delhi’s environmental challenges.”

IIT Kanpur will take full responsibility for planning and executing the trials, including aircraft deployment, chemical dispersal, and post-trial evaluations. The first trial is expected to begin by late May or June, pending approvals from various authorities. The operation will initially cover an area of 100 square kilometers on the outskirts of Delhi.

The Delhi government is currently in the process of obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from 13 agencies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Airports Authority of India.

According to Sirsa, cloud seeding is a scientifically validated method for inducing artificial rainfall by dispersing certain substances, such as silver iodide or salt, into the atmosphere to stimulate cloud condensation. This process can help settle dust and other suspended pollutants, providing temporary relief during severe smog events.

A thorough scientific evaluation will follow the trials to assess their effectiveness and any potential environmental impact. If successful, cloud seeding could become a key component of Delhi’s pollution mitigation strategy.