Delhi to Attempt Artificial Rain Again as Pollution Chokes Capital; New Aircraft to Be Deployed

Delhi is preparing for another attempt at artificial rain as air pollution continues to affect residents across the national capital. A specialised aircraft is being deployed for a fresh cloud-seeding operation on November 10 and 11, in the hope that rainfall will help reduce airborne pollutants and provide temporary relief. According to the report, the initiative is a joint effort involving Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the Delhi Government and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. A Beechcraft 200 aircraft operated by Bengaluru-based Kyathi Climate is expected to arrive in Delhi for the operation.

The aircraft will attempt to encourage rainfall over the capital, depending on cloud formation and favourable weather conditions. A Western Disturbance approaching northern India may also support cloud movement and rainfall later in the week.

Why Is Delhi Trying Cloud Seeding Again?

Delhi's air pollution problem becomes particularly serious during October and November, when several sources of pollution combine with unfavourable weather conditions. Vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, waste burning and crop residue burning in neighbouring states contribute to the city's pollution levels. Low wind speeds and changing atmospheric conditions can further prevent pollutants from dispersing.

Against this backdrop, the Delhi Government is exploring cloud seeding as an emergency measure to improve air quality. The technique attempts to encourage rainfall from existing moisture-bearing clouds. If successful, rainfall can wash some suspended dust and particulate matter out of the atmosphere. However, the process depends heavily on weather conditions and cannot guarantee rain.

What Is Different About the New Cloud-Seeding Attempt?

One of the major changes in the latest operation is the aircraft being used. The Beechcraft 200, operated by Kyathi Climate, can reportedly reach an altitude of up to 25,000 feet. During the previous experiment in October 2025, authorities used a Cessna aircraft that could operate at approximately 10,000 feet. The higher operational capability is expected to provide greater flexibility in reaching suitable cloud formations.

The latest attempt will also take place against the possibility of a Western Disturbance bringing rainfall to parts of northwestern India. However, a higher-flying aircraft alone cannot guarantee success. The presence of sufficient moisture and suitable clouds remains essential.

Why Did Delhi's Previous Artificial Rain Experiment Fail?

Delhi's earlier cloud-seeding experiment was conducted in October 2025 in collaboration with IIT Kanpur. During the trials, aircraft released chemical flares containing silver iodide and sodium chloride into selected clouds to encourage rainfall. However, the experiment failed to produce meaningful rainfall over the targeted areas. Insufficient moisture in the clouds was identified as a major reason behind the unsuccessful attempt. The experience highlighted one of the biggest limitations of cloud seeding: scientists cannot produce rainfall simply by releasing chemicals into the atmosphere. Suitable cloud conditions must already exist.

In early October 2026, authorities also conducted fresh trial runs near the airport to assess weather conditions, flight paths and the possible impact of cloud seeding on particulate matter levels. According to officials the latest trials are also intended to examine whether the process can influence PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations.

Government Has Sanctioned Over ₹3.21 Crore for the Project

The financial aspect of the experiment has also attracted attention. According to a parliamentary response by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in March 2026, the total sanctioned cost of the cloud-seeding project was ₹3,21,46,000, excluding GST. Separately, the Ministry of Earth Sciences informed Parliament in February 2026 that the Delhi Environment Department had paid ₹37,93,420 as the first installment to IIT Kanpur. The project, titled 'Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation', was approved as a pilot initiative. The government clarified that the experiment remains at the trial stage and is intended to explore another emergency option during severe pollution episodes when suitable cloud cover is available. The Ministry of Earth Sciences also clarified that it was not directly involved in the ongoing cloud-seeding operations.

Can Artificial Rain Really Clean Delhi's Air?

Although cloud seeding may encourage rainfall under suitable conditions, experts have cautioned against treating it as a permanent solution to Delhi's pollution crisis. Rain can temporarily remove some suspended particulate matter from the atmosphere. However, it does not stop pollution at its source. Once rainfall ends, pollutants can accumulate again if vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust and other sources continue.

Research discussed by IIT Delhi has also highlighted the limitations of relying on cloud seeding during Delhi's winter pollution season, when suitable moisture and cloud conditions may not be available. The technique therefore offers a possible temporary intervention rather than a substitute for long-term pollution control.

Delhi's repeated attempts at cloud seeding reflect the urgency of its air pollution crisis. However, the effectiveness of the latest operation will depend on whether suitable weather conditions develop and whether measurable improvements in air quality follow. The government will also need to continue addressing pollution sources through stricter vehicle-emission controls, construction dust management, industrial regulation and coordination with neighbouring states. Artificial rain may offer temporary relief if the experiment succeeds, but cleaner air will ultimately depend on reducing the pollution entering the atmosphere every day.