A much-anticipated cloud-seeding trial scheduled for October 29, 2025, in Delhi has been put on hold after experts found insufficient moisture in the clouds. According to sources in the Delhi government and a statement from the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT-K), the operation could not proceed as moisture levels were only around 15–20%, far below what’s required for successful artificial rainfall.
IIT-Kanpur: Valuable Insights Despite Challenges
While the attempt to trigger rainfall failed, IIT-Kanpur emphasized that the experiment still produced valuable scientific data. Monitoring stations across Delhi recorded real-time changes in air quality, revealing a 6–10% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels. The institute noted that even with limited atmospheric moisture, cloud seeding showed potential to improve air quality — a promising sign for future trials.
Earlier Trials Showed Minimal Rainfall
The postponed trial followed two earlier experiments conducted on October 28 in collaboration between the Delhi government and IIT-Kanpur. These took place in Burari, north Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Badli, but no precipitation was recorded in Delhi itself. However, light rainfall was observed in Noida and Greater Noida, indicating that the seeding may have partially influenced cloud formation beyond Delhi’s boundaries.
Political Reactions and Controversy
Following the trials, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa declared the exercise a success, crediting the BJP-led government for taking “innovative steps” to tackle pollution. He also criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for being “jealous” of the results. The AAP, however, questioned the credibility of the experiment, arguing that the lack of rainfall undermined claims of success and raised concerns about the practicality of cloud seeding in Delhi’s weather conditions.
Looking Ahead: Promise Amid Setbacks
Despite the delay, experts see the trials as a learning opportunity. The data gathered could help refine future artificial rain experiments, particularly in dry or low-humidity environments like Delhi during post-monsoon months. For now, the cloud-seeding initiative remains an ambitious part of the Capital’s air pollution control strategy, even if it’s still in its experimental phase.
