In a significant move to tackle escalating air pollution, the Delhi government is preparing to conduct its inaugural cloud seeding experiment. The trial is scheduled for Tuesday, with its execution entirely dependent on the prevailing weather. Officials have confirmed that a review meeting will take place to finalize the decision. A flight dispatched from Kanpur will be positioned to carry out the operation if weather patterns permit. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to induce artificial rainfall, offering a new approach to mitigating Delhi’s chronic air quality issues, particularly during the challenging winter season. The Chief Minister has characterized cloud seeding as an essential and forward-thinking strategy to confront the city’s environmental woes. The aim is to determine if this scientific technique can effectively alleviate the severe pollution crisis. Meteorological forecasts suggest a potential period for the trial between October 28 and 30, with the India Meteorological Department predicting suitable cloud formations. Consequently, Delhi might experience its first artificial rainfall event on October 29. A recent preliminary test flight over the Burari region successfully tested the aircraft’s seeding mechanisms and operational readiness. Although insufficient moisture levels prevented actual rainfall during this test, it provided valuable data for the main operation. IIT Kanpur, the project’s lead institution, affirmed the successful validation of equipment and inter-agency coordination during the preliminary flight. Regulatory approval has been secured, and a formal agreement outlines the plan for several cloud seeding trials in northwest Delhi. The government has completed all necessary arrangements for this critical operation.
