The Delhi government, under the BJP, is all set to seed with cloud-seed the national capital for its plan for artificial rain to get rid of unbearable air pollution. Meanwhile, the &nbsp;IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agarwal has revealed the estimated cost of the process that the government would have to spend every time for cloud seeding. He said a full winter-long operation could cost around ₹25 crore, which Agarwal described as “not very substantial” compared to Delhi’s overall pollution control budget, but still significant for a stop-gap measure.“My back-of-the-envelope calculation is that for continuous seeding through an entire winter season, the cost will be ₹25 crore or thereabouts,” Agarwal told India Today TV.“Ideally, one should not need to spend this money. But when there’s an SOS situation, this is the solution available," he added.How will the process look?In each trial, the flights will release a special mix into the clouds using a dedicated flare system. This mix has been developed by IIT Kanpur and contains silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. This mixture will help in accelerating the formation of raindrops in moisture-laden clouds, enabling artificial rainfall.Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-and-usha-vance-getting-divorce-former-wh-press-secretary-claims-not-all-is-well-in-their-marriage-details-here-1761143711469">JD and Usha Vance getting divorce? Former WH press secretary claims not all is well in their marriage. Details here</a>So far, the IIIT Kanpur has conducted seven successful in-house cloud seeding experiments between April and July. These experiments were done in drought-prone regions using the same aircraft and flare systems.First-ever ARTIFICIAL RAIN in DelhiThe Delhi government conducted its first-ever artificial rain through cloud seeding from July 4 to 11, 2025. This came in an effort to curb pollution in the national capital. IIT Kanpur was in charge of the technical operations for this project, News18 reported, citing sources. BJP's Rekha Gupta-led government secured permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and plans to induce rain when weather conditions are favourable.Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa told the news agency, “Our aim is to give Delhiites clean air. That’s why we’re taking this bold step of artificial rain."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the  IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agarwal has revealed the estimated cost of the process that the government would have to spend every time for cloud seeding.

The Delhi government, under the BJP, is all set to seed with cloud-seed the national capital for its plan for artificial rain to get rid of unbearable air pollution. Meanwhile, the IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agarwal has revealed the estimated cost of the process that the government would have to spend every time for cloud seeding. He said a full winter-long operation could cost around ₹25 crore, which Agarwal described as “not very substantial” compared to Delhi’s overall pollution control budget, but still significant for a stop-gap measure. “My back-of-the-envelope calculation is that for continuous seeding through an entire winter season, the cost will be ₹25 crore or thereabouts,” Agarwal told India Today TV. “Ideally, one should not need to spend this money. But when there’s an SOS situation, this is the solution available," he added. How will the process look? In each trial, the flights will release a special mix into the clouds using a dedicated flare system. This mix has been developed by IIT Kanpur and contains silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. This mixture will help in accelerating the formation of raindrops in moisture-laden clouds, enabling artificial rainfall. Also read:JD and Usha Vance getting divorce? Former WH press secretary claims not all is well in their marriage. Details here So far, the IIIT Kanpur has conducted seven successful in-house cloud seeding experiments between April and July. These experiments were done in drought-prone regions using the same aircraft and flare systems. First-ever ARTIFICIAL RAIN in Delhi The Delhi government conducted its first-ever artificial rain through cloud seeding from July 4 to 11, 2025. This came in an effort to curb pollution in the national capital. IIT Kanpur was in charge of the technical operations for this project, News18 reported, citing sources. BJP's Rekha Gupta-led government secured permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and plans to induce rain when weather conditions are favourable. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa told the news agency, “Our aim is to give Delhiites clean air. That’s why we’re taking this bold step of artificial rain."

Meanwhile, the &nbsp;IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agarwal has revealed the estimated cost of the process that the government would have to spend every time for cloud seeding.

How much will it cost for cloud seeding in Delhi? IIT Kanpur Director says ‘one should not need to spend this money’ but...

On Tuesday (October 28), a small, single-engine aircraft operated by IIT Kanpur flew over northwest Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) to conduct cloud seeding trials. The aircraft released 16 flares—eight during each of the two attempts—containing silver iodide and sodium chloride compounds over areas such as Burari, Mayur Vihar, and Noida. The goal was to trigger rainfall as part of an experimental plan to reduce air pollution, which often worsens during this time of year.However, the trials did not result in substantial rain, despite the Delhi government’s environment minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, calling the operation a ‘success’. According to Sirsa, this initiative is a major step for Delhi, as it explores cloud seeding as a potential method for air pollution management. He emphasised that the purpose was to assess the impact of cloud seeding under real-world conditions in Delhi's unique humidity levels.&nbsp;The exercise, which has become politically contentious, also saw criticism from AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, who questioned the timing of the trials, suggesting that the India Meteorological Department had already predicted rain on that day. "Will Lord Indra clarify if this is artificial or natural rain?" Bharadwaj said at a press conference. The cloud seeding program was first proposed by the AAP government in the winter of 2023 but faced delays due to unfavorable meteorological conditions. Last winter, the AAP again pushed for the initiative, only to face hurdles in obtaining necessary permissions. Sirsa, on the other hand, has previously accused AAP of talking about such plans without action.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rape-revenge-and-a-staged-acid-attack-how-delhi-cops-exposed-a-father-daughter-conspiracy-1761653461491">Rape, revenge and a staged 'acid' attack: How Delhi cops exposed a father-daughter&nbsp;conspiracy</a><h2>What IIT Kanpur director say about cloud seeding?</h2>An IIT Kanpur report released on the same day said that ‘trace’ rainfall—0.1mm in Noida and 0.2mm in Greater Noida—was observed, but it also noted that these amounts were too small to be recorded by official weather stations. The report highlighted a reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5) in areas like Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari, where PM2.5 levels dropped after the cloud seeding attempts. This decrease in pollutants was possibly linked to the moisture content in the clouds, which helped to settle some of the particles.&nbsp;IIT Kanpur’s Director, Manindra Agarwal, offered a more cautious assessment of the trial. He described the results as “not completely successful”, attributing the failure to the low moisture content in the clouds, which was only about 15-20%. “The clouds just didn’t have enough moisture for us to trigger significant rainfall. It’s not a magic fix for pollution, but an emergency measure,” Agarwal was quoted saying to NDTV. Despite this setback, he expressed optimism, saying that the team would attempt another round of seeding the following day, hoping for better results. Agarwal further clarified that the mixture used in the trials consisted of 20% silver iodide and the rest was a combination of common rock salt and sodium chloride.

Cloud seeding trials by IIT Kanpur in Delhi shows mixed results to produce rain, with experts citing low moisture levels in the clouds, though air pollution reduced in some areas

On Tuesday (October 28), a small, single-engine aircraft operated by IIT Kanpur flew over northwest Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) to conduct cloud seeding trials. The aircraft released 16 flares—eight during each of the two attempts—containing silver iodide and sodium chloride compounds over areas such as Burari, Mayur Vihar, and Noida. The goal was to trigger rainfall as part of an experimental plan to reduce air pollution, which often worsens during this time of year. However, the trials did not result in substantial rain, despite the Delhi government’s environment minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, calling the operation a ‘success’. According to Sirsa, this initiative is a major step for Delhi, as it explores cloud seeding as a potential method for air pollution management. He emphasised that the purpose was to assess the impact of cloud seeding under real-world conditions in Delhi's unique humidity levels. The exercise, which has become politically contentious, also saw criticism from AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, who questioned the timing of the trials, suggesting that the India Meteorological Department had already predicted rain on that day. "Will Lord Indra clarify if this is artificial or natural rain?" Bharadwaj said at a press conference. The cloud seeding program was first proposed by the AAP government in the winter of 2023 but faced delays due to unfavorable meteorological conditions. Last winter, the AAP again pushed for the initiative, only to face hurdles in obtaining necessary permissions. Sirsa, on the other hand, has previously accused AAP of talking about such plans without action. Also Read: Rape, revenge and a staged 'acid' attack: How Delhi cops exposed a father-daughter conspiracy What IIT Kanpur director say about cloud seeding? An IIT Kanpur report released on the same day said that ‘trace’ rainfall—0.1mm in Noida and 0.2mm in Greater Noida—was observed, but it also noted that these amounts were too small to be recorded by official weather stations. The report highlighted a reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5) in areas like Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari, where PM2.5 levels dropped after the cloud seeding attempts. This decrease in pollutants was possibly linked to the moisture content in the clouds, which helped to settle some of the particles. IIT Kanpur’s Director, Manindra Agarwal, offered a more cautious assessment of the trial. He described the results as “not completely successful”, attributing the failure to the low moisture content in the clouds, which was only about 15-20%. “The clouds just didn’t have enough moisture for us to trigger significant rainfall. It’s not a magic fix for pollution, but an emergency measure,” Agarwal was quoted saying to NDTV. Despite this setback, he expressed optimism, saying that the team would attempt another round of seeding the following day, hoping for better results. Agarwal further clarified that the mixture used in the trials consisted of 20% silver iodide and the rest was a combination of common rock salt and sodium chloride.

Cloud seeding trials by IIT Kanpur in Delhi shows mixed results to produce rain, with experts citing low moisture levels in the clouds, though air pollution reduced in some areas

Cloud seeding trials in Delhi sees mixed results, IIT Kanpur director says effort wasn't 'fully successful' as political row erupts

Delhi Environment Minister&nbsp;Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that an aircraft has taken off from Kanpur to carry out cloud seeding in Delhi, according to a report by news agency ANI. Meanwhile, officials told HT that the flight will conduct the operation directly over the northwest region near Burari before landing in Meerut.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Sirsa stated that the government planned to conduct its first cloud seeding exercise, provided weather conditions were suitable. The Cessna aircraft was scheduled to take off from the IIT Kanpur airstrip around 12:30 p.m., contingent on visibility improving from 2,000 metres to 5,000 metres. However, visibility in Delhi also remained poor, potentially affecting the operation.&nbsp;Delhi Minister confirmed that the second trial of cloud seeding has also been carried out in the national capital by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur after the Cessna aircraft took off earlier today for Delhi.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Delhi’s second cloud seeding trial conducted, covering Burari, Karol Bagh and Mayur Vihar areas of the Indian national capital . . . . Video: ANI <a href="https://t.co/Vrcuz19BK0">pic.twitter.com/Vrcuz19BK0</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1983128131327406255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“The second trial of cloud seeding has been done in Delhi. This was done by IIT Kanpur through Cessna Aircraft. The aircraft entered Delhi from the direction of Meerut. Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar were covered under this. 8 flares were used in cloud seeding. Each flare weighs 2-2.5 kg,” he said while addressing the media, ANI reported.&nbsp;He explained that eight flares were used in the process, each weighing between 2 and 2.5 kilograms. “These flares released content in clouds. The clouds had 15-20% humidity. The process continued for half an hour and during this, one flare continued for 2-2.5 minutes...The aircraft has now landed in Meerut. Second sortie and third trial will be undertaken today itself...As per IMD, winds are headed north and clouds can go anywhere in Outer Delhi. IIT Kanpur believes that there can be rain anywhere between 15 minutes and 4 hours...We hope IIT Kanpur's results will be positive...If it is successful, in the days to come, a long-term plan can be drawn till February. Such sorties will continue in the days to come. 9-10 trials will be done every day as the weather permits," he added.<h3>What is Artificial&nbsp;rain?</h3>Artificial&nbsp;rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a scientific method used to induce rainfall in areas experiencing drought or insufficient precipitation.&nbsp; In this process, certain chemical compounds&nbsp;are sprayed using aircraft or rockets to encourage the formation&nbsp;of raindrops, making them heavy enough to fall to the ground as rain.&nbsp;<h3>How is cloud seeding processed?</h3>It is introduced by using silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice to seed clouds through rockets, aeroplanes, or ground-based machines, which act as nuclei around which moisture condenses. When water vapour gathers in the cloud around these particles, it forms water droplets which fall as rain after these droplets combine and grow large enough. The process can be natural (when dust or salt particles serve as condensation nuclei) or artificially triggered to enhance rainfall in specific regions.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that the government planned to conduct its first cloud seeding exercise, provided weather conditions were suitable.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that an aircraft has taken off from Kanpur to carry out cloud seeding in Delhi, according to a report by news agency ANI. Meanwhile, officials told HT that the flight will conduct the operation directly over the northwest region near Burari before landing in Meerut. Earlier in the day, Sirsa stated that the government planned to conduct its first cloud seeding exercise, provided weather conditions were suitable. The Cessna aircraft was scheduled to take off from the IIT Kanpur airstrip around 12:30 p.m., contingent on visibility improving from 2,000 metres to 5,000 metres. However, visibility in Delhi also remained poor, potentially affecting the operation. Delhi Minister confirmed that the second trial of cloud seeding has also been carried out in the national capital by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur after the Cessna aircraft took off earlier today for Delhi.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Environment Minister&nbsp;Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that the government planned to conduct its first cloud seeding exercise, provided weather conditions were suitable.

Delhi artificial rain prep begins: Aircraft departs from Kanpur for cloudseeding, trial underway

As Delhi grapples with worsening air quality, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Friday (Oct 24) that cloud seeding has become a necessity for the Indian national capital. This comes as a day earlier, on Thursday (Oct 23), she said that preparations for inducing artificial rain through cloud seeding have been completed, calling it a pioneering step to address the city’s environmental crisis. Gupta also revealed when Delhiites can expect artificial rain and respite from "very poor" AQI. Read on for all the details.<h2>First-of-its-kind experiment</h2>Speaking to ANI, CM Gupta said, "Cloud seeding is a necessity for Delhi and is the first experiment of its kind. We want to try it in Delhi to see if it can help us control this very serious environmental problem." She added that the blessings of the people of Delhi would help make the experiment successful and pave the way to overcoming future environmental challenges.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-delhi-deploys-water-sprinklers-at-india-gate-as-air-quality-worsens-ahead-of-diwali-1760845769414">Watch: Delhi deploys water sprinklers at India Gate as air quality worsens</a>This comes amid extremely poor air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), where the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'poor' to 'very poor' categories. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as of 8 am on Friday, the overall AQI stood at 292, with areas such as Bawana (347), Burari (334), Ashok Vihar (320), and Jahangirpuri (348) experiencing 'very poor' pollution levels. Meanwhile, the AQI near Akshardham Temple and Anand Vihar surged to 403, classifying them in the 'severe' category. Other parts of the city, including ITO (316), AIIMS (295), and Dhaula Kuan (257), recorded 'poor' to 'very poor' air quality.<h2>When will artificial rain be induced in Delhi?</h2>In a pot on X, Gupta on Thursday revealed that Delhi may experience its first artificial rain on October 29, 2025. She wrote, "The weather department has indicated the possibility of cloud presence on October 28, 29, and 30. If conditions remain favourable, Delhi will experience its first artificial rain on October 29".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/diwali-fires-keep-delhi-firefighters-busy-over-170-fire-incidents-including-2-major-factory-fires-reported-1761012585475">Delhi Diwali fires break previous records: Firefighters spend festival night fighting over 400 fires</a>The Delhi Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa too earlier indicated that clouds are expected over the city between October 28 and 30, with authorities ready to carry out cloud seeding on October 29.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">दिल्ली में पहली बार क्लाउड सीडिंग के माध्यम से कृत्रिम वर्षा कराने की तैयारियां पूरी कर ली गई हैं। आज विशेषज्ञों द्वारा बुराड़ी क्षेत्र में इसका सफल परीक्षण किया गया है। मौसम विभाग ने 28, 29 और 30 अक्टूबर को बादलों की उपस्थिति की संभावना जताई है। यदि परिस्थितियां अनुकूल रहीं, तो…&mdash; Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) <a href="https://twitter.com/gupta_rekha/status/1981383118537040000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Artificial rain successful in Burari</h2>CM Gupta also congratulated Sirsa, and the officials involved, noting that the weather department had successfully tested the cloud seeding setup in the Burari area. She emphasised that the initiative is not only technically historic, but also aims to establish a scientific method to combat pollution in Delhi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announced that cloud seeding has become necessary to tackle the city’s worsening air quality. Preparations are complete, with artificial rain expected on THIS day.

As Delhi grapples with worsening air quality, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Friday (Oct 24) that cloud seeding has become a necessity for the Indian national capital. This comes as a day earlier, on Thursday (Oct 23), she said that preparations for inducing artificial rain through cloud seeding have been completed, calling it a pioneering step to address the city’s environmental crisis. Gupta also revealed when Delhiites can expect artificial rain and respite from "very poor" AQI. Read on for all the details. First-of-its-kind experiment Speaking to ANI, CM Gupta said, "Cloud seeding is a necessity for Delhi and is the first experiment of its kind. We want to try it in Delhi to see if it can help us control this very serious environmental problem." She added that the blessings of the people of Delhi would help make the experiment successful and pave the way to overcoming future environmental challenges. Also read | Watch: Delhi deploys water sprinklers at India Gate as air quality worsens This comes amid extremely poor air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), where the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'poor' to 'very poor' categories. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as of 8 am on Friday, the overall AQI stood at 292, with areas such as Bawana (347), Burari (334), Ashok Vihar (320), and Jahangirpuri (348) experiencing 'very poor' pollution levels. Meanwhile, the AQI near Akshardham Temple and Anand Vihar surged to 403, classifying them in the 'severe' category. Other parts of the city, including ITO (316), AIIMS (295), and Dhaula Kuan (257), recorded 'poor' to 'very poor' air quality. When will artificial rain be induced in Delhi? In a pot on X, Gupta on Thursday revealed that Delhi may experience its first artificial rain on October 29, 2025. She wrote, "The weather department has indicated the possibility of cloud presence on October 28, 29, and 30. If conditions remain favourable, Delhi will experience its first artificial rain on October 29". Also read | Delhi Diwali fires break previous records: Firefighters spend festival night fighting over 400 fires The Delhi Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa too earlier indicated that clouds are expected over the city between October 28 and 30, with authorities ready to carry out cloud seeding on October 29.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announced that cloud seeding has become necessary to tackle the city’s worsening air quality. Preparations are complete, with artificial rain expected on THIS day.

CM Rekha Gupta calls cloud seeding 'necessity,' reveals Delhi will witness artificial rain on THIS day

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How much will it cost for cloud seeding in Delhi? IIT Kanpur Director says ‘one should not need to spend this money’ but...

Delhi cloud seeding sees mixed results; IIT Kanpur says effort partly successful

Delhi artificial rain prep begins: Aircraft departs from Kanpur for cloudseeding

CM Rekha Guptareveals Delhi will witness artificial rain on THIS day