In a landmark step to curb rising air pollution, the Delhi government conducted its first-ever cloud seeding trial on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, aiming to induce artificial rainfall over the city.
Officials confirmed that rainfall is likely soon, depending on prevailing weather and cloud conditions. The experiment marks a significant milestone in the capital’s ongoing efforts to address post-Diwali smog and worsening air quality during the winter months.
What is Cloud Seeding?
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to enhance rainfall or snowfall (or sometimes suppress hail and fog) by artificially stimulating clouds to produce precipitation.
In this case, the outcome of the operation depends on suitable atmospheric factors — particularly sufficient moisture and the presence of seedable clouds. If conditions prove favorable, the effort could trigger artificial rainfall within a few hours or days, potentially providing short-term relief from the heavy smog enveloping the capital.
Aircraft Departed From Kanpur
An aircraft deployed for Delhi’s cloud seeding experiment departed from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday. The plane was directed toward northwest Delhi’s Burari area, where the trial was scheduled to take place. Officials said the flight faced an initial delay due to poor visibility in Kanpur but took off once weather conditions improved.
#WATCH | Aircraft for cloud seeding in Delhi has taken off from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
(Video Source: IIT Kanpur media cell) pic.twitter.com/hxhMQLvMPk
— ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2025
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(More details awaited)
