CM Rekha Gupta and her administration have confirmed that all set for first-ever Artificial rain in Delhi using cloud seeding scheduled for October 29, 2025, in response to dangerous post-Diwali air pollution levels. This initiative marks a historic and technologically significant milestone in Delhi’s fight against rising pollution.
A Technological Leap for Delhi
According to senior officials, teams from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) have been roped in to finalize the project details. The state is awaiting favorable cloud conditions to initiate the seeding process, expected to begin Artificial rain in Delhi within the next fortnight.
Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances like silver iodide or sodium chloride particles into the atmosphere using aircraft. These particles encourage water vapor in the clouds to condense, triggering artificial rainfall. Authorities believe even a short spell of rain could significantly reduce the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) hovering over Delhi.
Government’s Vision for Cleaner Skies
CM Rekha Gupta emphasized that the Artificial rain in Delhi experiment is part of her broader “Clean Delhi Mission 2025”, which includes expanded green cover drives, the installation of smog towers, and restrictions on vehicular emissions.
“This is a science-backed step to offer immediate relief to citizens struggling with hazardous air quality,” Gupta stated during a press conference. “Though artificial rain is not a permanent solution, it can help us break the pollution cycle during critical months.”
Final Preparations for Artificial rain in Delhi
- On October 27, authorities declared that all technical, logistical, and environmental preparations for the cloud seeding event were complete.
- A successful trial flight was conducted over Burari and adjoining areas, where aircraft and flare systems were tested and teams from IIT Kanpur and Delhi’s environment department confirmed system readiness.
- According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is likely to see cloud presence on October 28, 29, and 30, creating an ideal window for the rain-inducing operation.
Last-Minute Steps for 29th Oct 2025
- The Delhi government has calibrated aircraft, checked flare deployments, and coordinated with ground teams to ensure seamless execution of the event.
- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa have overseen coordination protocols, fitment checks, and technical trial runs as of October 27.
- Weather scientists are monitoring cloud developments hourly to time the final launch and maximize rainfall potential.
- Special air quality monitoring stations are set up to assess real-time impacts of artificial rain in Delhi’s PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
Timeline: Artificial rain in Delhi , October 29, 2025
- Early Morning: Delhi’s weather department and IMD monitor cloud conditions, confirming presence of sufficient moisture and favorable skies to begin seeding.
- Pre-Flight Briefings: Coordination meetings between IIT Kanpur scientists, Delhi government officials, and airport authorities to finalize flight plans and safety protocols.
- Aircraft Calibration: Specialized aircraft from IIT Kanpur, equipped with cloud seeding flares and chemicals, readied at Delhi airport.
- Midday – Launch Window: Aircraft take off and fly over targeted areas of northwest Delhi (Burari, Badli, and adjacent regions). Flares containing silver iodide and sodium chloride are deployed into clouds.
- Real-Time Monitoring: On-ground teams and air quality stations assess changes in PM2.5 and PM10 as rainfall begins or clouds are seeded.
- Afternoon/Evening: Updates released by the Delhi government and meteorological agencies. Residents may witness artificial rain if sufficient precipitation occurs.
- End of Day: The data and impacts of the experiment are reviewed. Preliminary AQI changes reported to the public and press.
Expert and Public Sentiments
- Environmental and scientific experts have lauded the proactive approach, but caution that Artificial rain in Delhi provides only temporary relief and must be followed by sustained anti-pollution strategies.
- The public, gripped by lingering post-Diwali smog, is hopeful for quick improvement in AQI as the city awaits this experimental intervention.
Public Response and Challenges Ahead
Environmentalists have welcomed the move as a proactive experiment, while also cautioning that the city’s pollution crisis demands long-term structural reforms. Artificial rain in Delhi offers temporary relief but must be paired with sustained efforts to regulate construction dust, vehicular emissions, and crop residue burning.
Residents are hopeful that the rains, if successful, will help bring temporary respite from persistent smog that has shrouded the city over the past few weeks.
The cloud seeding event on October 29, 2025, represents Delhi’s commitment to scientific action and innovation in environmental crisis management. Every technical and meteorological detail is being managed at the last minute to ensure the highest possibility of success and cleaner air for millions of residents.
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