The Delhi government’s planned cloud-seeding experiment on Wednesday (October 29, 2025) was put on hold after scientists reported insufficient moisture in the clouds. According to government sources, the decision was taken after consultation with experts from the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT-K).
IIT-Kanpur confirmed the development, explaining that cloud seeding — a process used to induce rainfall — is highly dependent on favourable atmospheric conditions.
The institute said, “Rainfall could not be triggered as moisture levels were around 15 to 20%.” Despite that, researchers stated that the experiment yielded valuable insights for future artificial rain trials.
IIT-Kanpur Records Drop in Pollution Levels
According to IIT-Kanpur, monitoring stations across Delhi captured real-time changes in particulate matter and humidity during the trial.
“Monitoring stations set up across Delhi captured real-time changes in particulate matter and moisture levels. The data shows a measurable reduction of 6 to 10% in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, indicating that even under limited moisture conditions, cloud seeding can contribute to improved air quality,” the statement read.
The findings suggest that while rainfall was not achieved, the cloud-seeding process helped reduce air pollution, offering hope for future applications during Delhi’s peak smog periods.
Earlier Trials Recorded Minimal Rainfall
On Tuesday (October 28), the Delhi government, in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, conducted two initial cloud-seeding trials over areas including Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Badli.
Although no rainfall occurred within Delhi, light showers were reported in Noida and Greater Noida, indicating partial success. The Delhi government later stated that even without rainfall, the experiment helped lower pollution levels at selected locations.
Political Reactions Follow the Trial
Following the trial, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the exercise was a success. He credited the BJP-led government for taking proactive steps to fight air pollution and criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for questioning the initiative.
Sirsa said the opposition was “jealous” of the government’s success and accused AAP of politicizing a scientific effort. The AAP, however, dismissed the claims, saying no rainfall was recorded and raised doubts about the feasibility and transparency of the experiment.
Experts Call It a Step Forward Despite Challenges
After Tuesday’s (October 28) trials, the Delhi government submitted a preliminary report stating that the process had helped reduce particulate matter even though the conditions were not ideal.
Experts believe that the data gathered from these trials will help refine techniques for future artificial rain efforts, especially during the winter smog season when pollution peaks in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The government is expected to continue its collaboration with IIT-Kanpur to conduct another round of trials once moisture levels rise in the coming weeks.
Promising Start for Pollution Control Innovation
Though the cloud-seeding experiment couldn’t trigger rainfall this time, the measurable pollution reduction offers a ray of hope for Delhi’s pollution crisis. The initiative marks an important step toward science-driven environmental management, showing that technology could become a key ally in India’s fight against smog.
