Delhi Cloud Seeding Postponed, Artificial Rain Likely in August-September

The Delhi government's cloud seeding (artificial rain) plan has been postponed from July due to weather conditions. Now this test will be conducted between 30 August to 10 September 2025. Information in this regard has been given by Delhi Government's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

The trial of artificial rain in Delhi was planned in the first week of July, but scientists from the Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM Pune did not find the current monsoon conditions conducive for it. As a result, scientists from IIT Kanpur recommended postponing this test.

The new date has been set between 30 August to 10 September 2025. With this, after the success of the trial, Delhi has become the first state in the country to receive official approval from DGCA for cloud seeding for pollution control.

How will artificial rain happen?

Delhi Government's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that artificial rain through cloud seeding will be tested in Delhi in collaboration with IIT Kanpur. This test will be done through a special aircraft Cessna 206-H (VT-IIT), in which equipment related to cloud seeding is installed. This aircraft will spray particles like sodium chloride under the clouds, which will generate artificial rain and will help in removing the pollution particles present in the sky.

Earlier the trial was to be done from July 4

Delhi Government's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa informed that DGCA had earlier allowed flights from July 4 to 11. However, based on the advice of scientific institutions, it was decided that cloud seeding would not be effective at that time due to the activity of monsoon. Now IIT Kanpur has presented a new option from 30 August to 10 September, which has been approved by the government and has also received approval from DGCA.

Artificial rain will be done in these areas of Delhi

According to the Delhi government, trial flights for cloud seeding will be focused on areas where pollution levels are high and low-level clouds are likely to form. In this context, Alipur, Rohini, Burari, Bawana, Pavi Sadakpur, Kundli Border and parts of Eastern Peripheral Expressway have been identified for cloud seeding.

According to the Delhi government, DGCA guidelines will be fully followed in operating flights during the trial. This includes rules such as flying under visual flight rules, ban on aerial photography and videography, coordination with ATC, and operating within the designated airspace. Along with this, all activities will be in accordance with CAR Section 3, Series N, Part I and Air Transport Circular 1/2019.