As Delhi continues to reel under deteriorating air quality post-Diwali, the city’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has announced that cloud seeding to induce artificial rain may begin within a week, provided suitable cloud conditions develop.

Sirsa stated that the groundwork for the cloud seeding process was completed within seven months, including government approvals, MOUs, aircraft arrangements, and scientific consultations. “We've received all permissions. Planes and pilots are ready. We're now waiting for the weather department to give the green signal. Hopefully, within a week, if there are clouds, we'll proceed. Previous governments only talked; we actually did the groundwork in 7 months: approvals, agreements, MOUs, consultations with scientists and arrangements with pilots and aircraft,” he told ANI.

What is cloud seeding?

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that involves dispersing substances like silver iodide or sodium chloride into clouds to stimulate rainfall. It’s used globally to combat drought, increase precipitation, and critically for Delhi to clear air pollutants by washing them out of the atmosphere.

Rain triggered through cloud seeding can help settle dust and pollutants, offering temporary relief from hazardous AQI levels, especially in landlocked cities like Delhi where natural rain events are rare in winter.

However, the process only works when clouds are already present. “For those who are asking us, why are we not getting cloud seeding done. I want to tell them that in cloud seeding, the cloud comes first and then comes seeding. Seeding can only be done when there are clouds. The day there will be clouds, we will get seeding done and there will be rain as well,” said Sirsa.

placeholder

️ What’s Delhi’s plan?

Aircraft and trained pilots are on standby in Delhi. Cloud seeding operations will begin as soon as cloud cover appears, pending IMD approval.

The government has tied up with weather scientists and agencies for technical execution.

If successful, this will be Delhi’s first artificial rain effort to fight pollution.

“Everything is under control. We've already got the plane... They'll have their fitness tests. All preparations are underway. The pilots received their licenses. Now we're waiting for the green signal from the Meteorological Department,” said Sirsa.

Pollution levels post-Diwali are not only due to firecrackers

Sirsa also pointed to data comparing AQI spikes after Diwali over recent years. He claimed that this year’s AQI rose by just 11 points, despite green firecrackers being allowed compared to much higher jumps in previous years, including those when crackers were banned.

“It's not the crackers... The Aam Aadmi Party is putting all its efforts into proving that the pollution in Delhi is due to Diwali. They're focused on this because they have a particular vote bank to please... According to DPCC and CPCB data, the AQI was 345 the night before Diwali... It's lower than in previous years. In 2020 it was 414, in 2021 it was 382... During our time, it was 345. It was 356 after bursting firecrackers on Deepawali. It means there has been an 11-point increase. Last year, firecrackers were banned. The day before Diwali, AQI was 328, and the next morning of Diwali, it was 360. There was a 32-point increase...It would be dishonest to link the firecrackers of Deepawali with this. There must have been an impact, but what Aam Aadmi Party is trying to prove is that Deepawali and Hindus and Sanatanis are responsible for this pollution, it is a sin...," the Delhi Environment Minister said.

Is it a long-term solution?

Experts say cloud seeding can provide short-term relief, but it is not a replacement for structural pollution control measures like reducing vehicular emissions, curbing stubble burning, or regulating construction dust. It’s a complementary intervention, useful in emergency pollution spikes.