Delhi awaits rain after cloud-seeding trial to curb severe air pollution

The aircraft used for the operation has returned to its base in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, sources told NDTV.

The city is now awaiting rainfall that could help bring temporary relief from deteriorating air quality.

According to sources, rain is not expected before 5 p.m. as the moisture content in the clouds over Delhi remains below 20 per cent. If the exercise fails to trigger precipitation, another flight may be dispatched from Kanpur, the newschannel reported.

The Delhi government had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to carry out five cloud-seeding trials in northwest Delhi between October 1 and November 30.

Delhi experiences high levels of pollution throughout the year, which typically worsen during winter due to crop residue burning in neighbouring states, stagnant air, and the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali.

What is Cloud Seeding?

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that enhances a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into specific types of subfreezing clouds. These nuclei act as a base for raindrops or snowflakes to form. Once formed, the precipitation particles grow and fall to the ground, potentially increasing rainfall, according to the Desert Research Institute.

Several countries, including China and the United Arab Emirates, have used cloud seeding in recent years to augment rainfall and reduce air pollution.