Artificial Rain In Delhi Soon? Aviation Body Okays Cloud Seeding Trials

Delhi may soon experience its first artificial rainfall as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved cloud seeding trials over the capital between October 1 and November 30 this year.

IIT Kanpur will lead the project, utilizing a specifically approved aircraft with the aim of reducing pollution levels during Delhi's smog-heavy winter months.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has confirmed these plans, stating: "I have directed that the aircraft remain on standby. As soon as weather and scientific parameters are favorable, we will conduct cloud seeding trials in Delhi, first time in India, to provide immediate relief from pollution."

The approved aircraft for these operations is a Cessna 206H, designated VT-IIT, which will operate under strict DGCA supervision. The trials will adhere to comprehensive safety protocols, including flying exclusively under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), obtaining Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearance before each flight, and coordinating with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for proper Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).

Additional safety measures stipulate that the aircraft cannot enter restricted or prohibited areas, aerial photography will not be permitted, and no foreign crew members will participate in the operations. Pilots conducting these missions must possess valid professional licenses and medical fitness certifications, along with previous experience in similar operations.

While the authorization covers the October-November period, officials have emphasized that the actual implementation of trials will depend on suitable cloud conditions and real-time scientific assessments. "As per scientific and weather suitability, trials will be taken up in the two months of October and November, subject to real-time conditions and inter-agency coordination," added Mr. Sirsa.

This is not IIT Kanpur's first attempt at such an experiment. A previously planned trial scheduled for July earlier this year was postponed after scientists determined that conditions were not optimal at that time.

According to officials, the new approval provides an extended timeframe for conducting these operations, which significantly increases the probability of successful implementation.