The Delhi government is preparing to implement cloud seeding operations between October 24 and 26 in response to deteriorating air quality following Diwali celebrations, pending approval from the India Meteorological Department.
Technical and ground preparations for the artificial rain initiative have been completed, with equipment and personnel placed on standby awaiting meteorological clearance, according to government sources. The intervention represents an emergency measure to address seasonal pollution that typically affects the capital from October through February.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the plan during a recent press conference, stating: “The pilots have completed successful trial flights over the targeted area. We are now waiting for the right cloud conditions and India Meteorological Department’s approval to use the artificial rain.”
Air quality in Delhi significantly worsened the morning after Diwali, prompting authorities to accelerate plans for the cloud seeding operation. The technique involves dispersing substances into clouds to induce precipitation, potentially bringing pollutants to the ground and temporarily improving air quality.
Initial plans considered implementing artificial rain on Diwali day or immediately afterward, but the timeline has shifted to late October based on meteorological conditions and operational readiness.
Cloud seeding requires specific atmospheric conditions, including suitable cloud formations and humidity levels, making IMD approval essential for the operation’s success. The department must assess whether current weather patterns can support effective precipitation.
The government has positioned all necessary teams and machinery for rapid deployment once approval is granted. This preparedness aims to minimize delays between authorization and implementation, maximizing the intervention’s potential impact on air quality.
Delhi faces chronic air pollution challenges during winter months, driven by factors including vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and crop stubble burning in neighbouring states. Diwali festivities, involving widespread firecracker use, traditionally contribute to acute pollution spikes.
While cloud seeding offers temporary relief, environmental experts note it addresses symptoms rather than underlying pollution sources. The measure serves as an emergency response tool rather than a sustainable long-term solution to Delhi’s air quality crisis.
The operation’s success depends on multiple variables including cloud availability, wind patterns, and precipitation effectiveness. Previous cloud seeding experiments in Indian cities have yielded mixed results, with effectiveness varying based on atmospheric conditions.
