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New Delhi: The national capital may finally see its first-ever artificial rain today if the weather decides to cooperate. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the long-awaited cloud seeding experiment could be carried out today, depending on weather conditions in Kanpur, where the aircraft meant for the task is currently parked. When Will It Happen? Sirsa explained that the aircraft will take off from Kanpur once visibility improves there. “Right now, visibility in Kanpur is about 2,000 metres. We need it to reach at least 5,000 metres for the plane to fly safely,” he said. If that happens by around 12:30 to 1 pm, the plane will fly to Delhi, conduct the operation, and return. What Exactly Is Cloud Seeding? Think of cloud seeding as a way of persuading the clouds to rain. It’s a scientific process where certain substances, like silver iodide, rock salt, or dry ice, are sprayed into clouds to help water droplets form faster. Once they become heavy enough, they fall as rain. In Delhi’s case, scientists from IIT Kanpur have developed a special mix that includes silver iodide nanoparticles and iodised salt. This formulation is sprayed from an aircraft directly into moisture-rich clouds, encouraging rainfall. Why Is Delhi Doing This? Simply put, Delhi needs cleaner air. Every winter, the city’s air quality drops to dangerous levels, making it one of the most polluted cities in the world. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) this morning stood at 306, categorised as ‘very poor’. In some areas like Siri Fort and Burari, it crossed 350. Studies show that Delhi’s pollution levels are so severe that they can shorten life expectancy by almost 12 years compared to the World Health Organisation’s standards. That’s why the government is exploring cloud seeding, in hopes that even a little rain might help wash away some of the toxic air. The Bigger Picture The Delhi government signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur on 25 September to conduct five such trials, all planned for northwest Delhi. The plan had faced multiple delays since May due to poor weather and monsoon timing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has already given clearance for the trials to be held anytime between 1 October and 30 November. If all goes as planned and the clouds cooperate, Delhi could experience its first artificial rainfall by today afternoon, a small but hopeful step toward cleaner skies. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Delhi and around the world.
