Delhi's Historic Cloud Seeding: A Rainfall Gambit Against Pollution

Delhi revived cloud seeding after a 53-year hiatus, conducting trials on Tuesday aimed at inducing artificial rain across the city to tackle rising pollution levels. As of evening, the weather department reported no recorded rainfall.

In partnership with IIT-Kanpur, the trials were held in regions like Burari and Karol Bagh. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa revealed plans for additional trials in the coming days, despite concerns from environmentalists who cite this as a short-term measure. An opposition party mocked the effort, whereas the ruling party praised it.

The trials involved a Cessna aircraft releasing silver iodide flares, though results remain uncertain. Air quality improved slightly, but critics demand action addressing root pollution causes. As authorities await conclusive outcomes, they aim to develop a long-term strategy to counter the capital's air quality issues.