October 29, 2025
NEW DELHI – Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted cities, conducted its first cloud-seeding trial today in an attempt to induce artificial rain to combat worsening air pollution and a surge in respiratory illnesses.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said in a video statement that a Cessna aircraft flew over areas including Burari, Karol Bagh and Mayur Vihar, releasing eight fire flares during the half-hour trial.
Cloud seeding involves releasing substances such as silver iodide or salt into clouds to trigger rainfall by encouraging moisture to condense into droplets.
The Delhi government, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, has approved cloud-seeding operations between October 28 and 30 — the first such experiment in Delhi. Sirsa said if successful, similar arrangement will continue until February, depending on weather conditions.
“This will be a major scientific initiative to induce rainfall and help tackle pollution,” he added.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta earlier said the experiment was “a necessity for Delhi to see if it can help us control this very serious environmental problem.”
Air quality in Delhi plunged to “hazardous” levels after Diwali celebrations last week, as smoke from fireworks combined with vehicle emissions, construction dust, and stubble burning from neighbouring states to create a toxic smog.
Doctors in Delhi and nearby areas reported a sharp rise in respiratory cases following Diwali, when many residents ignored the ban on firecrackers.