Lack of moisture halts further trials of exercise aimed at countering air pollution
TNR News Network
NEW DELHI:
Cloud seeding efforts over Delhi have temporarily been paused, with scientists citing inadequate moisture in the clouds as the primary reason.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, which is leading the experimental project aimed at combating the city’s worsening air pollution, confirmed that despite two seeding operations conducted on Tuesday (October 28, 2025), no rainfall was recorded.
Process relying heavily on specific atmospheric conditions
In a statement issued by IIT-Kanpur, researchers explained, “The cloud-seeding exercise scheduled for October 29, 2025, has been deferred due to insufficient cloud moisture. This process relies heavily on specific atmospheric conditions for success.”
According to the institute, humidity levels during Monday’s trials hovered around 15 to 20 per cent, far below the threshold required for triggering precipitation. Although the attempt didn’t result in rainfall, the scientists say the exercise yielded valuable data.
Monitoring stations across Delhi tracked real-time shifts in air quality and atmospheric moisture, revealing a 6-10 per cent drop in PM2.5 and PM10 levels following the trial.
“These findings enhance our understanding of how cloud seeding affects pollution and help us fine-tune future operations,” the statement added.
“Even in marginal conditions, the process showed the potential to slightly improve air quality. Such learnings will guide more effective interventions going forward. IIT Kanpur remains dedicated to continuing this research with scientific rigor and a focus on sustainable environmental outcomes for the National Capital Region.”
7 more seeding trials are in pipeline
Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that seven more seeding trials are in the pipeline. “Two attempts were made yesterday, but due to low moisture, rainfall couldn’t occur,” he said.
Cloud seeding, a form of weather modification, involves dispersing tiny particles — commonly silver iodide or chloride — into clouds using aircraft. These act as nuclei that encourage water droplets or ice crystals to form, potentially leading to rainfall. The outcome, however, depends on several atmospheric factors including temperature, cloud structure, humidity and wind conditions.
A senior official from IIT-Kanpur told a media house that rainfall was unlikely given the low humidity levels but emphasised that the trials boosted the team’s confidence in continuing research.
He also cautioned that cloud seeding should not be mistaken for a permanent pollution control measure. “This is an emergency intervention — something we can attempt during periods of severe pollution,” Agarwal said. “The real solution lies in reducing emissions at their source. Ideally, we should reach a stage where there is no need for such stopgap measures, but until then, cloud seeding remains one tool in our environmental response kit.”
