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Delhi is expected to witness the first-ever 'artificial rain' on Tuesday evening (October 28) after the cloud seeding operation was successfully conducted, with an aim to reduce the worsening air pollution. The cloud seeding trial has been conducted amid the worsening air pollution in the capital, as the AQI slipped to "severe" post-Diwali. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta-led government approved the experiment, in a move to bring air pollution down. How was cloud seeding done? The small aircraft flew over several parts of Delhi, including Burari, Mayur Vihar, and Karol Bagh, dispersing specially designed chemicals into the atmosphere. The aircraft released eight flares during a half-hour operation, each lasting about two to two-and-a-half minutes. These flares contained compounds including silver iodide and salt, which help water droplets in clouds combine and form rain. Also Read: Delhi News Live: Cloud Seeding Trial Successful, Artificial Rain Expected Soon In Parts Of Capital When will it rain? Check estimated timings here After Delhi conducted cloud seeding in the capital, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, citing experts from IIT Kanpur, said that rainfall could take place anywhere between 15 minutes and 4 hours after the cloud seeding operation is completed. However, it depends on factors like wind direction, temperature, and the moisture content of the clouds. Sirsa further said that the IMD has reported northward winds, suggesting that rainfall is likely to occur over parts of Outer Delhi. The minister added that if successful, the government will make a long-term plan and extend it till February. "Such sorties will continue in the days to come. 9-10 trials will be done every day as the weather permits," Sirsa said. He said that the third trial of cloud seeding will be conducted later today, following two successful rounds carried out by IIT Kanpur to explore the possibility of artificial rainfall. “If we succeed in this, it would be a historic achievement,” Sirsa stressed. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Delhi and around the world.
