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Can science make it rain on demand? Delhi’s first-ever cloud seeding experiment failed to produce showers despite high hopes. Scientists explain why the clouds didn’t cooperate, what they learned from the attempt, and when the city could see better results.
Delhi’s first cloud seeding trial failed to bring rain due to low moisture in clouds.
New Delhi: Delhi’s much-anticipated cloud seeding experiment on Tuesday ended without rainfall, despite days of preparation and public anticipation. Conducted jointly by IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government, the trial aimed to induce artificial rain to combat the city’s worsening winter pollution.
However, scientists confirmed that the moisture content in the clouds was too low only around 15–20%, compared to the ideal 50% needed to trigger rain. The aircraft used 14 flares containing silver iodide, rock salt, and common salt, but the clouds lacked the necessary humidity for condensation and precipitation.
“There hasn’t been any rain so far, so in that sense, it was not completely successful,” said IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agarwal, who led the experiment. “But it was a valuable step because it proved we can safely conduct such operations.”
Scientists explained that the seeding aircraft flew over Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, Bhojpur, and Sadakpur, areas where cloud cover was visible. However, low atmospheric moisture made rainfall nearly impossible.
“There were mixed forecasts some predicted rain, others didn’t,” Agarwal said. “Our findings confirmed that the clouds we targeted had very little moisture. So, rain simply couldn’t occur.”
Despite this, the team considers the trial a success in terms of technical execution. The operation demonstrated that cloud seeding can be conducted safely in Delhi’s congested airspace, a critical achievement for future attempts.
Encouraged by the successful deployment of equipment and procedures, IIT Kanpur will conduct two more trials when the weather allows. “The process will continue whenever we have sufficient cloud cover,” Agarwal said.
The team aims to refine its understanding of Delhi’s microclimate and determine how cloud seeding might be adapted for India’s unique atmospheric conditions.
When asked whether cloud seeding could serve as a long-term pollution solution, Agarwal clarified that it’s an emergency measure rather than a permanent remedy. “It’s an SOS solution — useful when pollution reaches hazardous levels,” he said. “It can bring temporary relief by washing down particulate matter, but real progress depends on cutting emissions at their source.”
IIT Kanpur scientists said the trial helped them test the technology successfully.
Even without significant rainfall, the Delhi government reported slight improvements in air quality. PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels showed a modest decline across several monitoring stations:
Light precipitation of 0.1 mm in Noida and 0.2 mm in Greater Noida, was recorded after the operation, suggesting partial success.
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that disperses silver iodide or salt particles into clouds to encourage condensation and rainfall. It helps increase precipitation, reduce pollution, and improve visibility but only if the atmosphere has adequate moisture.
As Delhi battles smog season, the next few weeks will determine whether science can finally bring rain to clear the air. For now, the clouds and the city’s residents are still waiting.
