New Delhi: In a strategic attempt to combat the capital’s worsening air quality, the Delhi government is on the brink of launching its much-anticipated cloud seeding operations. According to Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, all technical preparations are in place — the only thing holding the plan back is final clearance from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Sirsa explained that recent rains temporarily paused the dry-run trials, but emphasized that the groundwork has been thoroughly laid.
“We’ve already conducted two to three aerial test runs using our Cessna aircraft, mainly to get pilots acquainted with the geography of the region,” said Sirsa. “These included familiarisation and positioning trials, especially over North Delhi, where the cloud seeding is planned.”
Awaiting a Green Light for the Final Blast
The cloud seeding exercise, which involves releasing silver iodide or similar agents into clouds to induce rain, is now awaiting favorable weather conditions and IMD’s final go-ahead. The operations will begin from an airbase in Meerut and focus on the Delhi-NCR region.
“All technical permissions are secured,” Sirsa confirmed. “We’re only waiting for the weather department’s signal to proceed. If conditions align, we may conduct the actual seeding just before Diwali or within a couple of days after.”
Budgeting for Breathing Space
The budget for the pilot project stands at Rs 3 crore — modest, as Sirsa pointed out, but potentially impactful.
“This isn’t just a one-off mission,” he added. “There will be multiple trials. If we see promising results in pollution control, we could expand this effort going forward.”
Cloud seeding is being seen as a possible quick fix to the city’s deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI), which typically plunges into the ‘severe’ category around the festive season due to firecrackers, stubble burning, and weather-induced smog.
Expected Benefits: A Breath of Fresh Air
Sirsa emphasized that rainfall — even artificial — helps suppress dust, smog, and other suspended pollutants, often leading to a dramatic drop in AQI levels. He noted that post-precipitation, air quality tends to improve and stay better for several days.
“A single bout of rain clears out smog and lowers particulate matter, offering residents cleaner air for at least four to five days,” he said.
If successful, Delhi’s cloud seeding initiative could pave the way for similar interventions in other high-pollution urban areas across India. For now, all eyes are on the skies — and the Meteorological Department’s final clearance.
