Nod to Rs 3.21-cr cloud-seeding project

In a significant push towards scientific solutions to combat Delhi’s air pollution crisis, the Delhi Cabinet has approved a Rs 3.21-crore project for conducting five cloud-seeding trials across the National Capital Region (NCR).

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that the trials, part of a project titled “Technology demonstration and evaluation of cloud seeding as an alternative for Delhi NCR”, would be executed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. The prestigious institute would oversee the implementation, including aircraft deployment, chemical dispersal and post-trial scientific evaluation.

Each trial is estimated to cost Rs 55 lakh, with an additional Rs 66 lakh earmarked for one-time setup costs like aircraft calibration, chemical storage and logistics. Moreover, there will be an estimated expenditure of Rs 2.75 crore for the five trails. The first trial is expected to take place between late May and June this year, covering about 100 sq km on the outskirts of the city, subject to regulatory approvals.

“We are committed to conducting these trials soon, exploring cloud seeding as a contingency option during critical pollution periods,” Sirsa said. “This initiative complements our ongoing efforts, including AI-based monitoring and 24x7 surveillance at pollution hotspots.”

Before the trials begin, the Delhi Government will obtain no-objection certificates (NOCs) from 13 inter-ministerial and inter-agency bodies. These include the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Airports Authority of India, among others.

Sirsa emphasised the importance of innovation in tackling environmental challenges. “Technology must be at the forefront of our battle against air pollution. The Rekha Gupta government is committed to giving clean air to the people of Delhi, and this project represents a bold and scientific step in that direction,” he said.

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that involves injecting substances like silver iodide into moisture-laden clouds to stimulate rainfall. In Delhi’s case, it is being considered both as a pollution mitigation strategy and a potential solution to seasonal water shortages.

The announcement comes at a time when Delhi is bracing for another summer marked by rising temperatures and worsening air quality, with the authorities exploring every possible tool to alleviate the Capital’s chronic smog problem.