Delhi to get its first artificial rain in August 2025: What is it, and how does cloud seeding happen
With pollution consistently crossing hazardous levels, and traditional control measures showing limited success, this bold step marks a new chapter in Delhi's environmental efforts.
This isn't just another experiment, it's a big step that could actually change how we deal with pollution in cities like Delhi. While cloud seeding has been used before in other parts of India and around the world to boost rainfall, this is the first time it's being tried specifically to fight air pollution in Delhi.
The project, led by the Delhi Environment Department in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, was originally set to take place between July 4 and July 11, 2025, but due to harsh weather conditions, it has now been rescheduled for August 2025, according to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
The official title of this ambitious initiative is "Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation."
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What is cloud seeding?
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that uses dispersing specific chemicals into existing clouds to stimulate rainfall. It doesn't create clouds from scratch but enhances precipitation in clouds that already contain enough moisture. According to global studies and IIT Kanpur, the success rate of cloud seeding ranges from 60% to 70%, depending heavily on the weather and cloud type.
How does it work?
For cloud seeding to be effective, clouds like nimbostratus at altitudes between 500 to 6,000 metres are preferred.
Silver iodide, dry ice, and sodium chloride are commonly used agents. In Delhi's case, IIT Kanpur has developed a specialized chemical formula for dispersal.
T
he actual process uses special Cessna aircraft, modified for the job, which will be used to spray the cloud-seeding chemicals into the sky. These planes are fitted with flare-based systems that can release the agents directly into moisture-heavy clouds.
It is planned to have at least five flights, each lasting around 90 minutes and covering nearly 100 square kilometers, mostly over northwest and outer parts of Delhi.
The whole operation will be carried out and closely monitored by scientists from IIT Kanpur, who have experience in this kind of weather work. A detailed flight schedule has already been shared with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Pune, and the team is currently waiting for the green light from the DGCA and other aviation authorities to begin the process safely.
Why now?
Delhi's worsening air quality has reached alarming levels, especially during winters. Traditional solutions like vehicle restrictions, smog towers, and construction bans have had limited success. This artificial rain project could serve as a much-needed breakthrough.
'We want to give Delhi residents cleaner air. This artificial rain project is a bold step, and we're hopeful it brings a real difference,' said Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, as quoted in an official statement.
If successful, this experiment could change the way cities like Delhi respond to environmental emergencies—offering a scalable model not just for India but for polluted urban centers worldwide.
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