Cloud seeding scheduled for Wednesday 29 October to induce artificial rain over Delhi was put on hold due to insufficient moisture in the clouds.
In a statement, IIT Kanpur said the process is highly dependent on the right atmospheric conditions. “While it was not possible to trigger rain yesterday as humidity levels were around 15 to 20 percent, the study yielded valuable insights.”
Additionally, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said another attempt at cloud seeding in the state capital would be made once the humidity level rises above the current 10 to 15 percent.
“According to IMD, there is still 10 to 15 percent humidity. Yesterday, our test was conducted at 10 to 15 percent humidity and now another test will be conducted when the humidity exceeds that level,” he told ANI.
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Sirsa quoted the IMD as saying that humidity is expected to increase further after 4 pm. “As soon as the moisture report arrives, the next test will begin immediately.
IIT Kanpur said monitoring stations set up in Delhi captured real-time changes in particulate matter and humidity.
The data show measurable reductions in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations of 6 to 10 percent, suggesting that even under conditions of limited humidity, cloud seeding can contribute to improved air quality.
“These observations strengthen our planning for future operations and allow us to better identify the conditions where this intervention can bring maximum benefit. Such findings form the basis for more effective deployment,” the statement said.
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Two consecutive cloud deployment operations have been completed
The Delhi government has completed two consecutive cloud deployment operations as part of its robust air quality management strategy.
Sirsa said that with this move, the national capital has taken an unprecedented, scientifically first step by adopting cloud seeding as a tool to control air pollution.
“Our goal is to assess how much precipitation can be triggered under real-world humidity conditions in Delhi. Science guides our actions in every trial – in winter and all year round.”
According to an official statement, both the sorties were conducted by an expert team from IIT Kanpur, launched from IIT Kanpur and Meerut airports and covered Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, Sadakpur, Bhojpur and surrounding areas.
Each flare weighed about 0.5 kg, with eight flares released per fight, dispersing a test mixture designed to increase crash potential. Reported moisture levels in seeded clouds ranged from 15 to 20 percent—less than ideal, but sufficient for a scientifically meaningful test.
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The operation lasted about one and a half hours for each sortie, ensuring consistent coverage. Minister Sirsa pointed out, “According to experts’ forecast, post seeding rain may occur anytime in the next 24 hours depending on cloud moisture. Initial weather radar data and ground observation recorded light rainfall of 0.1 to 0.2 mm on the Delhi-Noida border at around 4:00 pm, indicating some positive response from seeded clouds.”
Preliminary results indicated that data was captured from 20 selected monitoring sites across Delhi, with a primary focus on AQI, PM2.5 and PM10, the most direct markers of pollution.
Before the first seeding: PM2.5 in Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh and Burari were 221, 230 and 229 ug/m³, which fell to 207, 206 and 203 ug/m³ after the operation, the press reported. PM10 in the same places decreased from 2206.207, respectively 177, 163 and 177 ug/m³ after sowing, he added.
With minimal winds reported, this reduction is mainly attributed to added cloud moisture and particle settling caused by particles seeding the cloud.
Sirsa said that depending on the results, the government is ready for more airstrikes in the coming weeks and after the first round of tests. “The results will determine whether we should schedule further seeding trials by February.”
Cloud seeding is the advanced science of weather modification, the purpose of which is to trigger or enhance precipitation from suitable clouds by introducing selected particles – such as silver iodide or sodium chloride – by aircraft or other means.
