Delhi plans to induce artificial rain to curb bad air: Gopal Rai

The Delhi government plans to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding this month to combat air pollution in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday.

Rai held a meeting with scientists from IIT-Kanpur, who explained that cloud seeding can only be attempted when there are clouds or moisture in the atmosphere.

“Experts anticipate that such conditions could develop around November 20–21. We have asked the scientists to prepare a proposal by Thursday that will be submitted to the Supreme Court,” the minister told reporters.

Rai emphasised that obtaining the necessary clearances and permissions for using this technology from both the central and state governments is a time-sensitive matter. The IIT-Kanpur scientists, who have conducted research on artificial rain, delivered a presentation to the minister on September 12.

India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that inducing artificial rain can only be attempted when there are clouds or moisture available.

“There have been a few attempts in India in this regard—in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Globally, research is being conducted on artificial rain; the basic requirement is clouds or moisture. In India, research on artificial rain is ongoing, but it has not made significant progress so far,” he said. Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena said in a post on X, “A delegation from CII and IIT, Kanpur, met today to discuss the possibility of cloud seeding—artificial rain in the capital—for mitigating the prevalent air pollution.”

“Enquired about the effectiveness of the technology and asked them to submit a concrete proposal,” he added. Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances into the air to encourage condensation, resulting in precipitation.