What Is Cloud Seeding? Delhi Set for First Artificial Rain from July 4 to 15
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In a bold step to combat pollution and water scarcity, Delhi is all set to experience artificial rain for the first time. Scheduled between July 4 and July 15, 2025, this innovative project uses a scientific technique called cloud seeding to trigger rainfall. Backed by IIT Kanpur, the Delhi government, and the Pollution Control Committee, the initiative aims to clear toxic air and bring some much-needed relief to the capital.
What Is Cloud Seeding ?
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique designed to artificially induce rainfall. It involves dispersing substances like silver iodide or dry ice into moisture-laden clouds. These particles act as nuclei around which water droplets form and eventually fall as rain. However, for the method to work, the presence of sufficiently moist clouds is essential.
First developed in 1946 by scientists Vincent J. Schaefer and Irving Langmuir, the technique has evolved over time, with Bernard Vonnegut enhancing it by introducing silver iodide for more effective results.
Why Delhi Is Turning to Artificial Rain
Delhi’s persistent pollution, unpredictable monsoon, and growing water crisis have pushed the government to explore new solutions. Cloud seeding offers a promising way to bring down pollution levels by clearing airborne particles and increasing precipitation. If successful, this pilot initiative could set a precedent for other Indian cities struggling with similar environmental challenges.
How the Rain Will Be Made
The project will involve five aerial sorties over northwest and outer Delhi. Each flight, lasting 90 minutes, will cover an area of about 100 square kilometres. Aircraft will spray silver iodide into suitable clouds to trigger rainfall. The ₹3.21 crore initiative is a collaborative effort between IIT Kanpur scientists, the Delhi government, and the Indian Meteorological Department, with approvals from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee .
Key Points:
Yes, cloud seeding has been tried in several Indian states over the years, mostly to combat drought:
Tamil Nadu
First to use cloud seeding in 1983 during severe drought years, continuing the practice in 1984–87 and 1993–94 to increase rainfall.
Karnataka
Began cloud seeding in 2003 in partnership with US-based Weather Modification Inc. to tackle persistent drought.
Andhra Pradesh
Ran operations between 2003 and 2009 across 12 districts. While data is limited, the initiative showed potential in boosting rainfall for agriculture.
Maharashtra
Introduced cloud seeding in 2008, investing ₹30 crore again in 2019 and 2025. In 2015, the state reportedly saw 1,300 mm of rainfall due to the technique.
Benefits of Cloud Seeding
Cloud seeding brings multiple advantages, especially for regions suffering from poor air quality and erratic rainfall.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, cloud seeding is not without drawbacks:
Delhi’s experiment with artificial rain marks a groundbreaking moment in India’s environmental response toolkit. As the city braces for its first-ever cloud seeding operation, all eyes will be on the skies between July 4 and 15. If the initiative proves successful, it could usher in a new era of climate adaptation across urban India.
What Is Cloud Seeding ?
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique designed to artificially induce rainfall. It involves dispersing substances like silver iodide or dry ice into moisture-laden clouds. These particles act as nuclei around which water droplets form and eventually fall as rain. However, for the method to work, the presence of sufficiently moist clouds is essential.
First developed in 1946 by scientists Vincent J. Schaefer and Irving Langmuir, the technique has evolved over time, with Bernard Vonnegut enhancing it by introducing silver iodide for more effective results.
Why Delhi Is Turning to Artificial Rain
Delhi’s persistent pollution, unpredictable monsoon, and growing water crisis have pushed the government to explore new solutions. Cloud seeding offers a promising way to bring down pollution levels by clearing airborne particles and increasing precipitation. If successful, this pilot initiative could set a precedent for other Indian cities struggling with similar environmental challenges.
How the Rain Will Be Made
The project will involve five aerial sorties over northwest and outer Delhi. Each flight, lasting 90 minutes, will cover an area of about 100 square kilometres. Aircraft will spray silver iodide into suitable clouds to trigger rainfall. The ₹3.21 crore initiative is a collaborative effort between IIT Kanpur scientists, the Delhi government, and the Indian Meteorological Department, with approvals from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee .
Key Points:
- Aircraft to be used for cloud seeding over target zones
- Project window: July 4–15, weather permitting
- Each sortie to last 90 minutes, covering 100 sq. km
- Target: Reduction in pollution and water scarcity
- Has India Used Cloud Seeding Before?
Yes, cloud seeding has been tried in several Indian states over the years, mostly to combat drought:
Tamil Nadu
First to use cloud seeding in 1983 during severe drought years, continuing the practice in 1984–87 and 1993–94 to increase rainfall.
Karnataka
Began cloud seeding in 2003 in partnership with US-based Weather Modification Inc. to tackle persistent drought.
Andhra Pradesh
Ran operations between 2003 and 2009 across 12 districts. While data is limited, the initiative showed potential in boosting rainfall for agriculture.
Maharashtra
Introduced cloud seeding in 2008, investing ₹30 crore again in 2019 and 2025. In 2015, the state reportedly saw 1,300 mm of rainfall due to the technique.
Benefits of Cloud Seeding
Cloud seeding brings multiple advantages, especially for regions suffering from poor air quality and erratic rainfall.
- Improves Air Quality: Helps clear harmful pollutants from the atmosphere
- Enhances Rainfall: Boosts water supply in arid and drought-prone areas
- Aids Agriculture: Supports farmers by improving soil moisture and crop yield
- Addresses Delayed Monsoons: Useful when natural rain fails to arrive on time
The Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, cloud seeding is not without drawbacks:
- Weather Dependent: Cannot work without appropriate clouds
- Cost Intensive: The process is expensive (₹1 lakh per sq. km for Delhi)
- Uncertain Outcomes: Rain is not always guaranteed
- Environmental Concerns: Use of chemicals like silver iodide raises ecological questions
Delhi’s experiment with artificial rain marks a groundbreaking moment in India’s environmental response toolkit. As the city braces for its first-ever cloud seeding operation, all eyes will be on the skies between July 4 and 15. If the initiative proves successful, it could usher in a new era of climate adaptation across urban India.
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