Cloud Seeding Fails to Bring Rain
Despite scientific preparations, Delhi skies remained dry after the latest cloud seeding efforts. Only trace rainfall—0.1mm in Noida and 0.2mm in Greater Noida—was reported, raising questions about the project’s effectiveness.
How Cloud Seeding Works
Aircraft spray tiny chemical particles that mimic ice nuclei. These help water vapour condense into droplets, ideally forming rain. However, success depends heavily on the humidity and thickness of clouds. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
Minor drop in PM2.5 and PM10 recorded after seeding
IIT Kanpur noted small reductions in pollutant levels after the trials, possibly due to heavier air moisture. However, experts caution that pollution levels can rebound quickly without rainfall. (PHOTO CREDIT:AI)
Artificial rain seen as symbolic, not a real solution
Activists and scientists agree that cloud seeding is more of a showcase experiment than a solution. Clean air, they say, will come only from consistent emission reduction and coordinated air quality management. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
IIT Kanpur Leads the Project
IIT Kanpur executed both sorties, flying from Kanpur and Meerut. The aircraft released silver iodide flares to stimulate rain formation, but low humidity prevented droplets from forming.
Trial Routes and Timing
The first sortie began from IIT Kanpur, seeding clouds over Khekra, Burari, Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Bhojpur. The second followed a similar route from Meerut, ending without rainfall.
Officials Term Trials ‘Partly Successful’
Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said light drizzle near the Delhi-Noida border indicated some success. He added more trials would follow to study moisture response in different conditions.
Costs and Trials
Each cloud seeding attempt costs roughly Rs 64 lakh. Three of the five planned trials have been conducted so far, with no measurable rainfall across Delhi or NCR.
Why It Didn’t Work
Experts said the seeded clouds had only 15–20% moisture. With such low humidity, the silver iodide could not trigger rain, making the trials scientifically valid but practically ineffective.
Expert Opinions
Environmental experts said artificial rain offers only temporary relief. Without emission control, Delhi’s pollution will persist. They recommend long-term measures targeting transport, industry, and construction sources.
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