Delhi’s Toxic Smog Pushes Authorities to Test Artificial Rain with Secret Cloud Seeding Mission

National News: Delhi has been struggling with extreme pollution since Diwali celebrations filled the air with toxic smoke and dust. Now, in an unprecedented step, authorities are preparing to trigger artificial rain. A Cessna aircraft has already departed to conduct the first cloud seeding experiment over the NCR region. Officials say the mission remains highly confidential, with exact details only to be revealed once it concludes. The hope is that a sudden downpour could temporarily clean the choking skies and offer residents some relief.

How cloud seeding will work

The cloud seeding technology involves mounting pockets of special chemicals under the wings of the aircraft. These chemicals, once released, interact with clouds and create conditions for rainfall. Pilots will activate the flares directly from the cockpit, releasing the compounds beneath the cloud cover. The process, called pyrotechnic seeding, mimics natural condensation and forces clouds to burst into showers. Authorities estimate the artificial rainfall could impact an area spanning nearly 100 kilometers, enough to touch large parts of Delhi-NCR.

Waiting for perfect conditions

Earlier this week, Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa admitted that artificial rain could not begin until suitable clouds were present. He revealed that the Indian Meteorological Department had informed the government there was little hope before October 25. But with sudden cloud formations now appearing, officials see a narrow window of opportunity. They are racing to take advantage of the weather and carry out the much-anticipated test.

Delays and missed deadlines

The project has been delayed several times this year. Initially scheduled for July, it was pushed back due to the monsoon season. Later, unexpected shifts in weather patterns forced another postponement. Even after Diwali, the mission faced hurdles as no suitable clouds were available for seeding. Authorities acknowledge these repeated delays have frustrated residents, who continue to breathe hazardous air daily. Despite setbacks, the government insists all preparations are now complete.

The scale of Delhi’s crisis

Delhi’s air quality has dipped into the “severe” category since Diwali, with smog blanketing the skyline. Schools have shut down temporarily, health experts have issued red alerts, and hospitals report rising cases of respiratory illness. Citizens complain of burning eyes, breathlessness, and headaches. Officials hope the artificial rain experiment will at least provide short-term relief while long-term measures remain pending. For now, the city waits anxiously to see if science can deliver a solution.

Political heat over pollution

The cloud seeding plan has also sparked a political war of words. The opposition accuses the government of being unprepared and relying on last-minute fixes instead of permanent solutions. The ruling alliance defends the mission, saying innovative technology is necessary to fight an extraordinary problem. Critics, however, argue that without tackling the root causes of pollution, such as crop burning and vehicle emissions, artificial rain can only act as a temporary bandage.

A city holding its breath

As the Cessna aircraft hovers over the skies, Delhi residents are watching closely, hoping for rain to wash away their misery. Whether the mission succeeds or not, it represents a bold step in the fight against pollution. For millions trapped under toxic air, even a brief spell of rain could feel like a lifeline. The city waits, its breath heavy with smog but its eyes lifted skyward, searching for clouds that might finally break.