Delhi cloud seeding paused as moisture dips, yet air quality edges up
Delhi cloud seeding paused as moisture dips, yet air quality edges up
Delhi cloud-seeding trial halted due to low cloud moisture; rainfall not triggered, but data indicates modest PM2.5/PM10 reductions, signaling potential air-quality benefits.
Delhi’s foray into cloud seeding faced a pause this week as officials said the plan for October 29 was put on hold because atmospheric moisture was insufficient. A Cessna aircraft had been deployed previously for cloud-seeding trials over parts of the capital in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, with the total cost around ₹1.28 crore for two attempts.
Experts explained that rainfall could not be triggered because the moisture level in the clouds hovered around 15-20 percent, below the threshold typically needed for seeding to induce precipitation. Even so, the exercise yielded a valuable data set. Monitoring stations across Delhi captured real-time changes in particulate matter and moisture levels, showing a measurable reduction of 6 to 10 percent in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations during the trial period, suggesting the intervention may contribute to cleaner air even under limited moisture.
These observations are being used to refine future operations, helping planners better identify the meteorological conditions under which cloud seeding could offer the maximum benefit. While rainfall remains unpredictable, officials emphasize that cloud seeding is a probabilistic tool rather than a guaranteed rainmaker, and data from Delhi and surrounding areas will inform the direction of subsequent trials.
Separately, reports noted some precipitation events in nearby Noida and Greater Noida following the seeding attempts, though authorities caution that attributing these rains directly to the seeding activity is complex. Humidity levels during the day hovered in the mid-70s, a factor that can aid seed dispersal but does not guarantee rainfall. As the project moves forward, researchers and policymakers say continued monitoring and robust data analysis will be crucial to assess both meteorological and air-quality outcomes.
Cover image source: Delhi cloud-seeding trials helped reduce particulate matter, says govt report 🔗
