Delhi Plans New Cloud-Seeding Trials This Summer After Previous Failures

Original: Artificial rain in Delhi? Cloud-seeding trials to return this summer after last year’s unsuccessful attempts

Mint•Apr 4, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

Delhi is set to attempt cloud-seeding trials again this summer after two unsuccessful attempts in October 2025. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is seeking approval for trials between April and June 2026, aiming to generate artificial rainfall to combat air pollution.

Key Points

01Delhi will attempt cloud-seeding trials again after two failed attempts in October 2025.
02IIT Kanpur is seeking approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for the trials.
03The trials aim to generate artificial rainfall to reduce air pollution levels.
04Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances like silver iodide into clouds to promote rainfall.
05The Economic Survey of Delhi 2025-26 supports further trials in consultation with the India Meteorological Department.

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Full Summary

Delhi is preparing for new cloud-seeding trials this summer after two unsuccessful attempts in October 2025. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Delhi Environment Department and is seeking approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for trials planned between April and June 2026. The previous experiments failed due to low moisture levels in the clouds, but IIT Kanpur stated that valuable insights were gained, which will inform future operations. Each trial involved releasing eight chemical flares containing silver iodide and iodized salt to trigger rainfall. The Delhi government reported that the trials helped reduce particulate matter in targeted areas. The Economic Survey of Delhi 2025-26 emphasizes the need for more cloud-seeding trials to address air pollution, in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department.

Key Figures

2

Number of previous cloud-seeding trials conducted in October 2025

April to June 2026

Proposed timeline for the new cloud-seeding trials

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Why It Matters

Successful cloud-seeding could lead to artificial rainfall, which may help reduce air pollution levels in Delhi, improving air quality for residents.

Who is affected

Delhi residents and commuters affected by air pollution.

What to know

Residents should stay informed about the outcomes of the trials and any potential improvements in air quality.

FAQ

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that enhances a cloud's potential to produce rainfall by dispersing substances like silver iodide into the clouds.

The previous trials failed due to low moisture levels in the clouds, which were around 15 to 20 percent.

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