Archive · 28 Oct 2025
Delhi Conducts Third Cloud Seeding Trial Amid Pollution Concerns
The Delhi government is trying to make it rain using a special technique called cloud seeding to help clean up the city's air.
They have conducted multiple trials with help from IIT Kanpur.
In these trials, planes flew over certain areas and released special flares designed to encourage rain.
The government hopes this will be a successful way to fight pollution.
However, some politicians are questioning if the trials are actually working and if the government is being truthful about any results.
Delhi conducted its third cloud seeding trial on Tuesday, following a second trial earlier the same day.
The trials, led by IIT Kanpur, aim to explore artificial rainfall as a measure to control air pollution.
A Cessna aircraft fitted with salt-based and silver iodide flares was used in the operations.
The third trial covered areas including Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar.
Controversy has arisen, with the AAP accusing the BJP government of fraud and questioning the effectiveness of the artificial rain.
- Who
- Delhi government, IIT Kanpur, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, AAP, BJP
- What
- Conducting cloud seeding trials to explore artificial rainfall for pollution control
- When
- Third trial conducted on a Tuesday (specific date not provided in this article), with a second trial earlier the same day and a first trial the previous week on September 23.
- Where
- Delhi, India (including areas like Burari, Khekra, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar)
- Why
- To reduce air pollution levels in Delhi
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)/Central Government
Effectiveness of Artificial Rain
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
The AAP alleges the BJP is committing fraud, citing an IMD report showing no rainfall on a specific Tuesday and claiming there's no technology to differentiate natural from artificial rain, allowing the government to falsely claim credit.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)/Central Government
The government announced cloud seeding operations, with the Environment Minister stating IIT Kanpur is hopeful for good results and that the project is a systematic experiment to control pollution.
- Event
- Cloud seeding trials for pollution control
- Location
- Delhi, India
- Third Trial Date
- Tuesday (Specific date not mentioned in this article)
- Lead Institution
- IIT Kanpur
- Aircraft Used
- Cessna
- Flares Used
- Salt-based and silver iodide flares
- Areas Covered (Third Trial)
- Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar
Sources
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