The highly anticipated Delhi cloud seeding experiment — which was designed to artificially cause rain in an attempt to address the city’s deteriorating air quality — failed to make a positive impact. In an explanation given by IIT Kanpur Director Prof. S. Ganesh, the failure was primarily caused by unsuitable weather conditions, specifically the lack of appropriate clouds that could facilitate the process.
Lack of appropriate clouds
Describing the science behind it, Prof. Ganesh added that cloud seeding needs certain kinds of moisture-loaded clouds with the appropriate density and temperature to develop rain droplets upon release of silver iodide or salt particles. But during the trials scheduled for Monday, the Delhi sky was largely dry and unstable with low humidity levels. “The process relies greatly on the occurrence of cumulus clouds, but they were not there at the time. Without them, even the most advanced technology cannot generate rain,” he added.
How the process was planned
The Delhi government, in association with IIT Kanpur, had divided the operation into two phases with a focus on the most polluted days of November. Aircraft were to release particles into the air to induce condensation and rain, which had the potential to settle dust and pollutants. But technical preparedness did not result in any action due to a lack of ideal meteorological conditions, compelling the team to cancel several attempts.
Seasonal timing and weather patterns
Experts opine that post-monsoon months in Delhi generally experience poor cloud formations, thus impairing the effectiveness of cloud seeding. “The success of such experiments also depends on timing,” said Prof. Ganesh. “We had extremely limited windows of opportunity, and unfortunately, weather systems over northern India were not cooperative.”
Next steps and future plans
Though the first trial failed, IIT Kanpur is hopeful. The team will redo the experiment when atmospheric conditions become more favorable, likely prior to the next monsoon. The Delhi government also signaled its eagerness to pursue the partnership, dubbing the technology “a long-term tool” to fight against spikes in pollution.
Prof. Ganesh stressed that cloud seeding is not an infallible solution, but a complementary process that is most effective when accompanied by natural weather cooperation. “It’s not controlling nature — it’s about applying science at the appropriate time,” he said.
In spite of the failure, officials assert that the experiment was an enriching learning experience and could open doors to more accurate weather modification practices in the future.
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