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Delhi Prepares for Artificial Rain to Combat Toxic Smog
28 Oct
Summary
- Delhi's air quality index reaches 'very poor' level
- Government plans cloud seeding trials to induce rainfall
- Formulation developed by IIT Kanpur includes silver iodide
On October 28, 2025, Delhi is grappling with severe air pollution, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 306, which is classified as 'very poor'. In a bid to combat the toxic smog, the Delhi government is preparing to conduct its first cloud seeding trial today, if the weather conditions are favorable.
The cloud seeding operation depends on the weather conditions in Kanpur, as the aircraft designated for the trial is currently stationed there. The formulation, developed by IIT Kanpur, includes silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt, and is aimed at inducing rainfall to improve air quality.
The Delhi government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Kanpur on September 25 to carry out five cloud seeding trials, all of which are planned in northwest Delhi. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had earlier granted permission to IIT Kanpur to conduct the trials any time between October 1 and November 30.
However, the exercise has faced multiple postponements due to unfavorable weather and monsoon conditions, including deadlines set for May-end, early June, August, September, and, most recently, the second week of October. The Delhi government is now hopeful that the trial will be successful today, as the visibility in Kanpur has improved, and the aircraft is expected to take off from there by 12:30-1 PM.
