Sky’s the Limit: IIT Kanpur Engineers Delhi’s First Cloud-Seeding Miracle Post-Diwali

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 1,450 Views

In a historic move, Delhi conducted its first cloud-seeding operation in over five decades to induce artificial rain and reduce post-Diwali pollution. Spearheaded by IIT Kanpur, the trial used a Cessna aircraft to disperse flares over northern Delhi. While rainfall was minimal, the operation marked a major step in pollution mitigation.

Rain on Demand: How IIT Kanpur Orchestrated Delhi’s First Cloud-Seeding Trial Since 1970

As Delhi’s air quality plunged to “severe” levels following Diwali celebrations, the city turned to science for relief. In collaboration with IIT Kanpur, the Delhi government executed its first full-scale cloud-seeding operation in 53 years on October 28, 2025, aiming to trigger artificial rain and settle toxic pollutants.

Key Highlights from the Operation:

Historic Milestone

This was Delhi’s third cloud-seeding attempt since 1957, and the first successful execution in over five decades.

Scientific Execution

A Cessna aircraft equipped with silver iodide and salt-based flares took off from Kanpur, flying over a 25-nautical-mile corridor between Khekra and Burari.

The aircraft released eight flares targeting moisture-laden clouds to stimulate precipitation.

Targeted Zones

The operation focused on pollution-heavy areas including Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Badli, with the aircraft later landing at Meerut airfield.

Expected Impact

Officials hoped for rainfall within 15 minutes to 4 hours post-seeding, though only trace precipitation was recorded in Noida and Greater Noida (0.1–0.2 mm).

Pollution Context

The trial came as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range, exacerbated by firecrackers and stubble burning.

More Trials Ahead

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that additional cloud-seeding missions are planned in the coming days, depending on cloud conditions.

This pioneering initiative reflects a growing reliance on geoengineering solutions to tackle urban environmental crises. While the immediate rainfall was limited, the trial sets a precedent for scientific intervention in climate resilience.

Sources: Moneycontrol, Times Now

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! Bombay High Court Quashes ₹8,414 Crore OTSC Demand Against Bharti Airtel