Delhi’s first cloud seeding trial likely after Diwali, awaiting IMD’s nod: Sirsa

The aircraft have been fully equipped for the process and the crew is trained and familiar with the region, he added.

“The entire set-up is ready — from permissions to pilot training. The aircraft are fitted with cloud seeding equipment, and pilots have flown over the target areas to prepare. Now, we are just waiting for the IMD’s approval,” he said.

The first trial is expected to take place the day after Diwali or shortly thereafter, depending on suitable weather conditions.

The Delhi government’s cloud seeding project — a major commitment by the BJP-led administration — has been postponed multiple times due to various reasons.

Initially scheduled for July, it was delayed due to monsoon, changing weather patterns, disturbances and now lack of suitable cloud cover.

Delhi has been preparing for the artificial rain project in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to assess whether cloud seeding can help reduce pollution and smog during the peak winter season. Last month, the Delhi government signed a MoU with IIT Kanpur for five cloud seeding trials, which are expected to be conducted in northwest Delhi.

The project, approved by 23 departments, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), aims to explore whether artificial rain can be a viable solution to tackle rising pollution levels during the winter months.

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