Delhi May See Cloud Seeding Today Amid 'Very Poor' AQI: Sources

Sources close to the Delhi environment department said that a cloud seeding mission may be launched later today in response to an air quality index that has slipped into the very poor category. The city has been grappling with high levels of particulate matter, which have raised health alerts and prompted schools to limit outdoor activities. Officials hope that inducing rain could help wash out pollutants from the atmosphere and provide temporary relief to residents who are experiencing breathing difficulties.

Cloud seeding works by releasing fine particles such as silver iodide or dry ice into suitable cloud formations. These particles act as nuclei around which water droplets can coalesce, increasing the likelihood of rain or snow. The method has been used in various parts of the world to augment water supplies, reduce hail damage, and clear fog in airport zones. In Delhi, the practice has been trialed during previous periods of severe haze, with mixed results that have sparked debate among scientists and policymakers.

If the operation proceeds, meteorologists will monitor weather patterns closely to identify clouds that are conducive to seeding. Success would depend on factors such as temperature, humidity and the existing moisture content of the air mass. While a single rain event may not solve the underlying causes of air pollution, it could provide a short‑term reduction in particulate concentrations. Authorities have indicated that they will evaluate the outcome and consider integrating cloud seeding into a broader strategy that includes stricter emission controls and promotion of cleaner fuels.