Delhi Delays Cloud Seeding as Monsoon Rains Take Over — Here’s Why It Matters

Delhi’s cloud seeding trial, aimed at tackling pollution and water scarcity, has been postponed due to active monsoon conditions.

Edited By: Intern

Last Updated : 30 June 2025, 07:41 PM IST

Monsoon Forces Postponement of Delhi’s First-Ever Cloud Seeding Project (Source: Social Media)

National News: Delhi’s cloud seeding trial, originally scheduled from July 4 to 11. The experiment designed to boost rainfall and ease the city's chronic air pollution and water shortages has been postponed due to heavy monsoon rains and saturated skies.
As Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa explained, “Current rainfall and cloud conditions were too intense for an experiment, as it would be impossible to measure any impact.”

What Exactly Is Cloud Seeding?

Cloud seeding is a time-tested science. Spearheaded by IIT Kanpur, the project involves flying an aircraft from Hindon Airforce Station and dispersing silver iodide, rock salt, and similar agents into moisture-dense clouds. When done right and with the right clouds, typically nimbostratus, which hold a lot of moisture, the technique can trigger rain within an hour. These kinds of clouds need to be at least 50% saturated. With the monsoon already delivering heavy, natural downpours, it would be impossible to tell whether any rain was “seeded” or simply natural. Hence the delay.

A Rs 3.21 Crore Pilot Project

This isn't a casual weather experiment. Approved by the Delhi Cabinet in May 2025, the ₹3.21 crore pilot would have involved officials and regulatory bodies across the board, IMD, DGCA, CPCB, and the Defence Ministry. Under the now paused plan, flights were to target areas like Rohini, Bawana, Alipur, and Burari in Delhi, plus parts of western UP including Loni and Baghpat, all of which regularly face stagnant air and scarce water.

Critics Speak Up

The political stage naturally has lit up. The AAP questioned whether this was a genuine innovation or just an old plan rebranded by the BJP, accusing them of reviving an initiative that previously failed because of permission hurdles.

What’s Next?

The technical pieces are ready: permissions, clearances, and logistical plans. Now, officials are simply waiting for one crucial ingredient at the end of the monsoon. The DGCA has been asked to find another suitable weather window later in the season.
When it finally happens, the operation will be carefully monitored for safety, visibility, and actual impact – not just a few extra raindrops – but a step toward cleaner air and better water management for the city.