Trial Cloud Seeding for Rainfall

• Cloud Seeding Experiment: Conducted by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, this experiment aims to induce artificial rainfall to address air pollution in Delhi.

• Background: The cloud-seeding initiative had been postponed multiple times since July due to weather conditions.

• Trial Details:

  • The trial flight took place on October 24, 2025, from the IIT Kanpur airstrip covering several locations including Meerut, Khekra, Burari, Sadakpur, Bhojpur, and Aligarh.
  • Cloud seeding flares were successfully fired between Khekra and Burari.
  • The entire operation lasted around four hours and evaluated aircraft performance, equipment endurance, and safety protocols.

• Future Plans: Officials anticipate suitable clouds for actual seeding around October 29-30, 2025, marking Delhi’s first artificial rainfall experiment.

• Significance: This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address the severe air quality issues in Delhi, enhancing environmental policy implementations.

• System Preparedness: All systems for the cloud seeding operation, including aircraft, meteorological, and environmental monitoring, are reported to be in place, emphasizing the importance of precision and scientific accuracy in the experiment.

This summary highlights the government's proactive approach in utilizing science and technology to combat environmental challenges.