New Delhi: With all the necessary scientific systems and approvals in place, the Delhi government's first artificial rain pilot is prepared for launch. As soon as favorable meteorological conditions, particularly cloud moisture and depth, are seen over the designated zones, the cloud seeding flights will begin.

After verifying the project's meteorological viability over the National Capital Region (NCR), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) formally expressed its support.

The pilot, titled "Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation," will be carried out in partnership with IIT Kanpur, which will supply the intervention's operational, technological, and scientific foundation.

"All preparations are complete except few minor operational clearances. Now, we're just waiting for the right clouds to appear. The moment the weather cooperates, Delhi will witness its first artificial rain. We are not just fighting pollution-we are building a blueprint for the future. This is a national-first experiment rooted in science, executed with military-grade precision, and evaluated in real time," Delhi's environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said.

KEY FEATURES:

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has verified that clouds are feasible and will offer real-time information on cloud type, altitude, wind speed, and dew point to help with planning.
  • A maximum of five sorties are planned, each covering 100 sq. km and lasting at least one hour and thirty minutes over non-sensitive zones of northwest and outer Delhi.
  • As per standard aviation protocols, flights will avoid restricted airspace like VIP-89 (Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament, PM residence).
  • IIT Kanpur will use specially equipped Cessna aircraft with flare-based seeding systems using a proprietary formulation made of Silver Iodide nanoparticles, iodized salt, and rock salt.
  • Real-time impact on air quality (PM2.5 and PM10) will be measured using Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) placed in and around the seeding zones.
  • Major clearances have been obtained. Only minor approvals, such as final flight plan clearanc,e remain.

"When we say 'Right to Clean Air', we mean it. From anti-smog guns and sprinklers to strict dust mitigation norms at construction sites, we are pushing every boundary - and now even the skies - for our people. This pilot project is not just about artificial rain, it's about scientific courage and environmental justice," Sisra added.

Using the same aircraft and flare systems, IIT Kanpur has successfully carried out seven in-house cloud seeding experiments in drought-prone areas between April and July. Building on prior experiments, this Delhi pilot project focuses specifically on pollution reduction. The goal is not just to create rain, but also to determine whether or not this type of precipitation actually lowers the amount of particulate matter in the surrounding air. The initiative will add to the body of evidence that may be used in other metropolitan areas that are contaminated in the future.

For seeding studies, nimbostratus (Ns) clouds—which are often found between 500 and 6000 meters above ground level (AGL)—are ideal. Clouds should contain at least 50% moisture.

IIT Kanpur has developed a custom seeding mixture containing pure nanoparticles of Silver Iodide (AgI), powdered Rock Salt, Iodized Salt, and a free-flowing agent that combines hygroscopic and glaciogenic cloud-seeding capabilities. Seeding mixture requirements will vary according to moisture content.