Delhi Cloud Seeding for Pollution Delayed to August

Delhi's first cloud seeding operation to induce artificial rain and fight severe air pollution has been postponed from July 4-11 to August 30-September 10, following meteorological advice about unsuitable monsoon clouds. The initiative, led by the Delhi Environment Department and IIT Kanpur with necessary DGCA clearances, will target high-pollution areas including Alipur, Bawana, Rohini, Burari, Pavi Sadakpur, and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. A specially equipped aircraft will disperse hygroscopic particles to encourage rainfall, aiming to reduce particulate pollution. Data from the trial will inform larger-scale interventions during the winter smog season if successful. The project is seen as a landmark step after years of bureaucratic delays, but experts caution about unpredictable results due to atmospheric variability. Public debate continues over the efficacy and timing of cloud seeding as an anti-pollution measure.