The Delhi Govt has postponed its much-anticipated cloud seeding pilot project to the end of August, citing ongoing monsoon activity. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that the heavy rainfall currently affecting the capital is not favorable for effective cloud seeding operations.
Speaking at a press briefing, Sirsa explained that attempting the process during active monsoon conditions could hinder the desired outcomes. “With the monsoon at its peak, cloud seeding may not have the intended impact. Therefore, we’ve opted to delay the project,” he said. Initially slated for July 4–11, the project had already faced uncertainty due to unsuitable weather conditions before July 3.
Revised Schedule: August 30 to September 10
Following discussions with meteorological experts and an assessment of prevailing weather patterns, the project team has suggested a new timeline—August 30 to September 10—when the monsoon is likely to retreat. Sirsa stated that this window is expected to offer better atmospheric conditions and cloud types suited for successful seeding.
“All necessary approvals, including aerial work clearance from DGCA, have been secured,” he added. “The entire operation will adhere to safety protocols and environmental norms, and to ensure procedural integrity, photographers will not be permitted during the mission.”
Project Implementation
The cloud seeding operation will be conducted by the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with experts from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A Cessna 206-H aircraft (VT-IIT) will be used for the process.
What is Cloud Seeding?
Cloud seeding is a form of weather modification that involves dispersing materials like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice into clouds to stimulate precipitation. These substances serve as nuclei around which water vapor can condense, enhancing rainfall. While cloud seeding has been widely researched and implemented in countries like the U.S. and China, it remains in the trial phase in India.
In Delhi’s case, the technology is being explored not only to induce rain but also as a tool to reduce air pollution by helping settle airborne particulate matter, especially during peak pollution periods.