Rain By Design: Delhi’s Third Artificial Rain Attempt Set For October 29

Delhi’s battle against toxic air has entered a new chapter with the city’s third attempt at artificial rain since 1957. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed that a successful cloud-seeding trial was conducted on October 23 in Burari, paving the way for full-scale operations between October 28 and 30. If weather conditions remain favorable, the first induced rainfall is expected on October 29.

Key Developments  

- The trial was led by IIT Kanpur, with a seeding flight covering Meerut, Khekra, Burari, Sadakpur, Bhojpur, and Aligarh  

- Silver iodide flares were deployed between Khekra and Burari to stimulate cloud condensation  

- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cloudy skies on October 28–30, creating ideal conditions for artificial rain  

- The initiative involves 23 government departments and is backed by ₹13 crore in funding from the Delhi government  

- Officials aim to reduce pollution levels by 50–80 AQI points, especially in high-risk zones  

- This marks Delhi’s third cloud-seeding attempt—the first was in 1957 and the second in 2018, both of which yielded limited results  

- The operation is part of a broader emergency response to post-Diwali smog and rising respiratory illnesses  

- Experts caution that while artificial rain can offer temporary relief, it is not a substitute for long-term pollution control measures

Delhi’s cloud-seeding effort reflects a growing reliance on geoengineering to combat urban environmental crises. If successful, it could set a precedent for other Indian cities grappling with seasonal pollution spikes.

Sources: Outlook India, The Hindu Business Line, Financial Express, Economic Times, Outlook Business