Delhi achieves successful artificial rain test at Burari
Delhi and IIT Kanpur collaborate on artificial rain project to help lower pollution and clean the city’s air.
Delhi is all set to witness its first-ever artificial rainfall, marking a remarkable step in the city’s ongoing battle against air pollution. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Thursday that the ambitious cloud seeding initiative is ready for deployment, with all preparations complete and a successful trial already conducted earlier in the day at the Burari area.
“For the first time in Delhi, preparations have been completed to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding, marking a significant technological milestone in the capital’s fight against air pollution. Experts on Thursday successfully conducted a trial test in the Burari area,” Gupta said in a post on X, highlighting the city’s commitment to innovative solutions to tackle rising pollution levels.
What is cloud seeding?
The initiative, developed collaboratively by IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government, involves a scientific method known as cloud seeding, where substances are introduced into clouds to stimulate rainfall. The primary objective is not just to create rain but also to reduce particulate pollution—a persistent problem in Delhi, particularly during the winter months when air quality plummets to hazardous levels.
The process uses pyrotechnic flares that release silver iodide or other chemicals into the clouds, encouraging water droplets to coalesce and fall as rain. Experts believe that even light rain generated through cloud seeding can significantly reduce the concentration of dust, smoke, and other harmful particulates, providing both environmental and health benefits.
The trial run
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa shared details of the trial run, thanking Chief Minister Gupta and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the initiative. “Today, a trial seeding flight was conducted from IIT Kanpur to the Delhi area via Meerut, Khekra, Burari, Sadakpur, Bhojpur, Aligarh, and back to IIT Kanpur. Cloud seeding flares were fired between Khekra and Burari and over the Badli area using pyro techniques,” Sirsa said in a post on X.
The trial flight covered several key areas to test the efficiency of flare deployment, wind patterns, and cloud conditions. Officials reported that the mission proceeded smoothly, demonstrating that the team is now ready to conduct the first official cloud seeding operation on October 29.
The human impact
For Delhi residents, the initiative represents more than just a scientific experiment. The city has faced severe air pollution challenges for years, with particulate matter often reaching levels that are dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Even short-term improvements in air quality through artificial rain could bring noticeable relief, making breathing easier and reducing the risk of pollution-related health problems.
Experts also hope that the initiative will raise awareness about the importance of combining technological interventions with policy measures, such as limiting emissions from vehicles, industrial activity, and construction. While cloud seeding is not a permanent solution, it is seen as a complementary measure that can help manage pollution during the worst periods.
Looking ahead
Delhi’s cloud seeding initiative is a landmark project, showcasing the city’s willingness to adopt advanced technological solutions to urban challenges. By collaborating with IIT Kanpur and leveraging scientific expertise, the government hopes to set an example for other cities struggling with air pollution across India.
As the first artificial rainfall operation approaches, residents of Delhi are watching closely, hopeful that the skies will soon open and bring much-needed relief from the smog that has long clouded their lives. The initiative symbolizes not just a scientific achievement but also a step toward a healthier, more livable city, where technology and policy work hand in hand for the public good.
With the trial successfully conducted and preparations in place, Delhi stands on the cusp of a historic moment—its first attempt at harnessing the clouds to clean its air and improve the quality of life for millions of people in the national capital.