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A day after two cloud-seeding trials failed to induce artificial rain in the city, the Delhi government on Wednesday cancelled two trials scheduled for the day citing insufficient moisture content in the clouds. The move led to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioning the project’s feasibility given the Capital’s current “unfavourable” climatic conditions. The government, however, claimed it was “successful” in conducting the trials. Manindra Agrawal, Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, which is collaborating with the Delhi government to conduct the trials, said though Tuesday’s trials failed to induce rain, they were helpful in collecting data for the project. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa claimed Tuesday’s trials were “successful and historic”. “We have reached a stage where we could conduct a trial. We will learn what moisture content is needed to induce rain. It is still in trial mode. Once IIT Kanpur has information on the right moisture content, we will be able to use it to induce artificial rain in Delhi when needed,” he said. The Minister said the government will conduct more trials in the coming days. He said the previous AAP government was unable to even conduct trials while the BJP government achieved a “milestone” by conducting them. ‘Conditions unfeasible’ However, AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj said the government is “ignoring” a report from the Central government that found cloud seeding to be “unfeasible” in the Capital. “When the BJP-led Central government itself said artificial rain isn’t feasible, who is the Delhi government trying to fool? The chemicals used [in the trials] can make Delhiites sick,” he alleged. Ministry’s statement Replying to a query in the Rajya Sabha in December 2024, the Union Environment Ministry had stated that cloud seeding in the national capital would be difficult during winter, citing expert opinions. “Effective cloud seeding requires specific cloud conditions, which are generally absent during Delhi’s cold and dry winter months... additionally, concerns about the uncertainties, efficacy, and potential adverse effects of cloud-seeding chemicals remain,” the Ministry said, quoting an expert. When AAP was in power in Delhi, it also sought permission to conduct cloud-seeding trials and petitioned the Centre multiple times, but failed to secure the necessary clearances.
