US EditionIndia conducts cloud-seeding trial to clear New Delhi’s smog
- On October 28, 2025, Delhi conducted its first full-scale cloud-seeding trial with an aircraft from Kanpur flying over Burari and Karol Bagh to induce artificial rain.
- New Delhi and surrounding region, home to more than 30 million people, face severe winter smog spikes from post-Diwali pollution and stubble burning by farmers in neighbouring states, with levels up to 20 times the World Health Organization's safe limit.
- IIT Kanpur's modified Cessna-206H aircraft released eight silver iodide and sodium chloride flares over half an hour to trigger precipitation.
- Officials reported moisture levels under 20%, below the 50% moisture threshold typically required, and Delhi's Air Quality Index 305 — 'very poor' — persisted amid visibility delays and repeated weather delays.
- Despite approvals and budgeted trials, officials said second and third trials will take place today, with at least 15 planned over the next few days, and critics at IIT Delhi warn seeding is not a long-term cure.
50 Articles
50 Articles
AAP questions Delhis cloud seeding exercise, alleges publicity-driven activity - The Tribune
The Delhi government, in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, conducted cloud seeding trials on Tuesday in some areas, including Burari, north Karol Bagh and Badli, after a gap of 53 years.
Initial Data Shows Small but Measurable Reduction in PM2.5, PM10: Delhi Govt on Cloud Seeding
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. As per the reports, a minimal rainfall of 0.1-0.2 mm was recorded around the Delhi-Noida border at 4 pm. Air quality from 20 locations across Delhi also showcased positive improvement. PM2.5 levels at Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari dropped from 221, 230, and 229 ug/m³ to 207, 206, and 203 ug/m³, respectively. PM10 levels also declined significantly. India News | Initial Data Shows Small …
In New Delhi, one of the cities with the highest levels of air pollution on the planet, authorities have recently resorted to “artificial rain” as an emergency measure to try to reduce the dense layer of smog that affects millions of inhabitants. This technique, also known as cloud planting, consists of dispersing into the atmosphere substances such as silver iodide or sodium chloride, which favor the condensation of water vapor and the formatio…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
