As Delhi AQI worsens, govt conducts two cloud-seeding trials at 30,000 metre height to explore artificial rain

The Delhi government has conducted two rounds of cloud-seeding trials near the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in the last 15 days as it explores artificial rain as a possible measure to tackle rising air pollution in the national capital, government sources told PTI. The trials were conducted at an altitude of approximately 30,000 metres, significantly higher than the 10,000-metre altitude at which similar operations were carried out in Delhi last year. The government is likely to conduct more trials after Diwali and Chhath, although it is unlikely to make any official announcement before Diwali, the sources added. The latest trials come as Delhi continues to explore ways to reduce air pollution, particularly during the winter months when pollution levels tend to rise. Cloud seeding is being considered as one possible intervention to improve air quality.

Delhi plans more cloud-seeding trials after Diwali

According to government sources, two cloud-seeding operations have taken place near IGI Airport over the past 15 days. The operations were conducted at an altitude of around 30,000 metres. This is higher than the altitude of approximately 10,000 metres used during last year's trials. More trials are likely to take place after Diwali and Chhath. However, the Delhi government is not expected to officially confirm or announce the proposed operations until after Diwali.

What is cloud seeding and how does it work?

Cloud seeding is a weather-modification technique that aims to increase the chances of rainfall from suitable clouds. The process involves releasing substances such as silver iodide and sodium chloride into clouds. These substances encourage the formation of water droplets or ice crystals, which can eventually lead to precipitation.


The technique is being explored as a possible way to tackle air pollution in Delhi by encouraging rainfall. Rain can help settle dust and particulate matter in the atmosphere. However, cloud seeding requires suitable atmospheric and cloud conditions to produce rainfall.

Delhi's cloud-seeding experiment with IIT Kanpur

The Delhi government first launched its cloud-seeding project last year in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. The initiative was planned as an emergency measure to explore ways to combat air pollution during peak winter conditions.

The Delhi Environment Department and IIT Kanpur formalised their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 25, 2025. Under the project, two rounds of cloud-seeding trials took place in October last year.

During each operation, teams released eight chemical flares containing silver iodide and sodium chloride. However, the experiments did not produce rainfall. Despite the absence of rain, the Delhi government later released a report claiming that the trials had helped reduce particulate matter levels at the targeted locations.

Delhi AQI Gets worsen in Last Few Days

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Thursday, November 5, 2026, with the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 367 around 10 am, according to CPCB data. The reading came a day after Delhi recorded an average AQI of 377 on Wednesday. Several parts of the capital reported pollution levels in the severe category, with Jahangirpuri recording the highest AQI of 459, followed by IIT Delhi at 445 and Punjabi Bagh at 445. PM2.5 was the main pollutant at 54 of the city's 59 monitoring stations. The thick haze and low wind speeds have contributed to the persistence of pollution across the capital.

(Inputs from PTI)