The initiative relies on an agreement signed in September 2025 with IIT Kanpur to target airborne particulate matter through weather modification. Over the last 15 days, two operations were conducted near IGI Airport at 30,000 metres, which is triple the altitude tested in previous trials. Although last year's October trials failed to yield actual rainfall, authorities claimed they still managed to reduce atmospheric particulate matter. The success of the forthcoming post-festival operations remains dependent on suitable atmospheric and cloud conditions.
Key points
Authorities are utilizing silver iodide and sodium chloride in an effort to force precipi…: Authorities are utilizing silver iodide and sodium chloride in an effort to force precipitation and reduce particulate matter.
Additional cloud-seeding trials are scheduled to proceed following the Diwali and Chhath…: Additional cloud-seeding trials are scheduled to proceed following the Diwali and Chhath festive periods.
The cloud-seeding technique requires specific atmospheric and cloud conditions to success…: The cloud-seeding technique requires specific atmospheric and cloud conditions to successfully trigger artificial rainfall.
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Delhi plans more cloud-seeding trials after Diwali
According to government sources, two cloud-seeding operations have taken place near IGI Airport over the past 15 days. The operations were conducted at an altitude of around 30,000 metres. This is higher than the altitude of approximately 10,000 metres used during last year's trials. More trials are likely to take place after Diwali and Chhath. However, the Delhi government is not expected to officially confirm or announce the proposed operations until after Diwali.What is cloud seeding and how does it work?
Cloud seeding is a weather-modification technique that aims to increase the chances of rainfall from suitable clouds. The process involves releasing substances such as silver iodide and sodium chloride into clouds. These substances encourage the formation of water droplets or ice crystals, which can eventually lead to precipitation.The technique is being explored as a possible way to tackle air pollution in Delhi by encouraging rainfall. Rain can help settle dust and particulate matter in the atmosphere. However, cloud seeding requires suitable atmospheric and cloud conditions to produce rainfall.
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