New Delhi— The Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT-K) announced on Wednesday that the scheduled cloud-seeding trial in Delhi has been postponed due to insufficient moisture in the atmosphere. According to the institute, the success of cloud seeding depends heavily on favorable meteorological conditions, which were not met.
On Tuesday, the Delhi government conducted two cloud-seeding trials in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur across several parts of the city, including Burari, north Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Badli. While the operation did not result in rainfall over Delhi, light showers were recorded in Noida and Greater Noida.
In its statement, IIT-Kanpur explained that the moisture content during the trials was only around 15–20 percent, too low to produce rain. However, despite the absence of precipitation, the trial provided valuable data on air quality improvements. “Monitoring stations across Delhi recorded a measurable reduction of 6 to 10 percent in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, showing that even under limited moisture conditions, cloud seeding can positively impact air quality,” the statement said.
An official report shared by the Delhi government also confirmed this trend. Before cloud seeding, PM2.5 levels were recorded at 221 in Mayur Vihar, 230 in Karol Bagh, and 229 in Burari. After the first trial, the levels dropped to 207, 206, and 203 respectively. Similarly, PM10 concentrations fell from 207, 206, and 209 to 177, 163, and 177 at the same locations.
IIT-Kanpur noted that these findings will help refine future trials by improving operational timing and targeting strategies. “Such learnings form the foundation for more effective deployments ahead,” the institute said, adding that it remains committed to using scientific innovation to enhance environmental outcomes across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Officials said further trials will be planned once the atmospheric moisture improves to the optimal level for successful cloud formation and rain induction.
