Delhi Government Plans First Cloud-Seeding Trial by June 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Delhi's First Cloud-Seeding Trial |
| Timeline | Expected by June 2025, pending DGCA clearance |
| Objective | Test feasibility of artificially inducing rainfall during high pollution |
| Funding | ₹3.21 crore total; ₹55 lakh per trial; ₹66 lakh for logistics |
| Trial Location | Outer parts of Delhi, avoiding VIP/restricted airspaces |
| Flight Plan | 5 flights covering 100 sq. km |
| Flight Base | Hindon Air Base, Ghaziabad (approved by Ministry of Defence) |
| Technology | Cloud Seeding Agent: Silver iodide, powdered rock salt, iodized salt |
| Ideal Clouds | Nimbostratus (Ns) clouds at 500-6000 m altitude with 50%+ moisture |
| Environmental Impact | IIT Kanpur to monitor rainwater for silver iodide residue |
| Approval Agencies | SPG, CPCB, Ministries of Environment, Defence, Home, DGCA, AAI, BCAS, UP Govt |
| IMD Role | Provide 6-hour forecasts on cloud density and moisture |