Delhi's First Cloud Seeding Set for October 29

Silver Iodide flares on cloud seeding Airplane | Silver Iodide in zoomed circle (Image - SciencePhotos.com)

In a historic move to combat post-Diwali pollution, Delhi is preparing for its first-ever artificial rain through cloud seeding on October 29, 2025. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has called the initiative a "necessity" to address the city's severe air quality crisis.

So, let me take you inside the unfolding story of Delhi’s first-ever cloud seeding operation—a tale of science, urgency, and air.

As the smog of Diwali settles over the city, a new kind of aircraft prepares for takeoff—not to ferry passengers, but to summon rain from the sky. On October 29, 2025, Delhi will attempt something unprecedented: artificial rain to cleanse its air.

The mission begins with a flare. Mounted on the wings of a specially equipped plane, these flares contain silver iodide, a compound known to mimic ice crystals. As the aircraft ascends into the humid layers above Delhi, the flares ignite, releasing particles into the clouds. If the conditions are right—if the clouds are thick and the humidity high—these particles will coax water droplets to form, grow, and fall as rain.

But this isn’t just chemistry. It’s choreography.

Teams from IIT Kanpur, armed with real-time meteorological data, monitor every movement. They track cloud density, wind patterns, and moisture levels, waiting for the perfect moment. A trial run in Burari offered lessons: the humidity was too low, the clouds too thin. Still, the scientists remain undeterred. The window between October 28 and 30 holds promise.

This isn’t the first time cloud seeding has been used—but it is the first time Delhi deploys it not for drought relief, but to fight pollution. The stakes are high. PM2.5 levels have surged to their worst since January. Even a light drizzle could settle the dust, clear the air, and offer millions a breath of relief.

So as the city holds its breath, the skies may soon respond—with a rain not born of nature, but summoned by science.

What Is Cloud Seeding?

• Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that involves dispersing substances like silver iodide into clouds to stimulate rainfall.
• The goal in Delhi is to use this method to wash away smog and particulate matter, especially after Diwali when pollution levels spike.

Trial and Execution

• A trial run was conducted in Burari, where flares containing rain-inducing chemicals were released from an aircraft.
• Although the trial didn’t produce rain due to low humidity, officials remain optimistic about the full-scale operation.
• The project is being supervised by IIT Kanpur, with the full operation expected between October 28–30.

Kudos to @IITKanpur for this massive success!

After 6 years of research & efforts, IIT Kanpur researchers have successfully tested artificial rain or cloud-seeding technology.

My heartiest congratulations to them and best wishes to the entire team! pic.twitter.com/hIXucjWe2C

— Zubin Ashara (@zubinashara) July 3, 2023

Why It Matters

• Delhi’s PM2.5 levels have surged to their highest since January, prompting urgent action.
• Even mild showers from cloud seeding could significantly reduce airborne pollutants and offer temporary relief.