Delhi's Artificial Rain Project Delayed Due to Lack of Suitable Cloud Cover: Status and Implementation Plans

The Delhi government's anticipated artificial rain experiment continues to face delays due to unfavorable weather conditions, specifically the absence of suitable clouds.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed to PTI that according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), appropriate cloud conditions are not expected until at least October 25.

Sirsa emphasized that the trial would proceed immediately once suitable clouds appear, as all necessary preparations including permissions and flight arrangements have been completed.

Initially planned for last week following Diwali celebrations, the cloud seeding project has experienced multiple postponements since its original July schedule due to monsoon conditions, changing weather patterns, and now the lack of adequate cloud cover.

An aircraft equipped with cloud seeding technology remains stationed in Meerut, with a specialized team from IIT Kanpur overseeing the operation.

The Delhi government formalized this initiative last month by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Kanpur for five cloud seeding trials, intended to be conducted in northwest Delhi.

This ambitious project has received approval from 23 different departments, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and aims to evaluate artificial rain as a potential solution for Delhi's winter pollution problems.

Financial resources have already been allocated to IIT Kanpur, which will utilize its own aircraft for implementing the experiment.

According to DGCA regulations, the cloud seeding activities must be conducted under visual flight rules without compensation, and only after securing clearances from state and local authorities.

The operations have been authorized between October 1 and November 30, with strict adherence to safety, security, and air traffic control guidelines.

Permission has been granted under Rule 26(2) of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, allowing IIT Kanpur's Department of Aerospace Engineering to operate a Cessna 206-H aircraft (VT-IIT) for this purpose.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) are also collaborating on this innovative environmental initiative.