₹1.2 Crore Cloud Seeding Trial’s Tears: No Rain, Only Scorching Political Heat

The Delhi government’s cloud seeding experiment using silver iodide and sodium chloride flares to trigger rainfall did not produce the desired effect, as humidity was only 10-20%, far below the ideal 50% threshold. Conducted over Burari, Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and other areas, the trials were backed by IIT Kanpur but yielded no rainfall according to IMD data.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed the operation completed two sorties with aircraft releasing fire flares, though admitting rainfall was unlikely due to insufficient atmospheric moisture. Despite this, the BJP-led Delhi government declared the trial a success, citing preliminary signs.

The opposition Aam Aadmi Party criticized the attempt, with leader Saurabh Bharadwaj sarcastically questioning if “Lord Indra” would clarify whether the rain was artificial or natural. He accused the government of claiming credit for predicted natural rain and called the experiment a “fake” political stunt amid Delhi’s ongoing air quality crisis.

Experts noted cloud seeding remains a short-term pollution control strategy, with systemic environmental issues needing long-term solutions.

Key Highlights:

• ₹1.2 crore Delhi cloud seeding trial aimed at artificial rain fails due to low humidity.
• Aircraft released silver iodide and sodium chloride flares over multiple Delhi areas.
• IMD data showed no rainfall till late evening; IIT Kanpur confirmed low moisture impacted results.
• Delhi Environment Minister claimed trial success despite lack of rain.
• AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj mocked government, dubbing it a "Lord Indra" political stunt.
• Opposition accuses BJP government of taking credit for natural rain forecast by IMD.
• Cloud seeding seen as short-term environmental tactic; broader pollution challenges persist.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, India Today, Deccan Herald, News18​​