Delhi Artificial Rain: Parts of Delhi on Tuesday witnessed a cloud-seeding trial and artificial rain is expected anytime soon. The trial was successfully conducted in Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, Sadakpur, and Bhojpur regions of the national capital. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed the cloud-seeding trial, stating that the aircraft entered Delhi from the direction of Meerut. The measure has been taken to combat pollution in Delhi and improve air quality levels, which have remained in the “very poor” category post Diwali. Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is already in effect in Delhi-NCR to curb pollution levels.
Delhi Artificial Rain: Second Cloud-Seeding Trial Completed
In a video message, Minister Sirsa stated that the second trial of cloud seeding was carried out by IIT Kanpur using a Cessna Aircraft on October 28. Five areas were covered and eight flares were used in cloud-seeding to release content in clouds. The process took about half an hour to complete, and the aircraft has since landed in Meerut. Sirsa quoted IIT Kanpur officials, who asserted that there could be rainfall in Delhi within the next four hours. The Minister expressed optimism about the results, stating that if the trial is successful, a long plan term will be formulated in February.
Rain Expected in Next 4 Hours in THESE parts
The areas where rain is expected after cloud-seeding trial are: Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar.
“The second trial of cloud seeding has been done in Delhi. This was done by IIT Kanpur through Cessna Aircraft. The aircraft entered Delhi from the direction of Meerut. Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar were covered under this. 8 flares were used in cloud seeding. Each flare weighs 2-2.5 kg…These flares released content in clouds. The clouds had 15-20% humidity. The process continued for half an hour and during this, one flare continued for 2-2.5 minutes…The aircraft has now landed in Meerut. Second sortie and third trial will be undertaken today itself,” Sirsa said.
He added. “As per IMD, winds are headed north and clouds can go anywhere in Outer Delhi. IIT Kanpur believes that there can be rain anywhere between 15 minutes and 4 hours…We hope IIT Kanpur’s results will be positive…If it is successful, in days to come, a long-term plan can be drawn till February. Such sorties will continue in the days to come. 9-10 trials will be done every day as the weather permits.”
#WATCH | Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, "The second trial of cloud seeding has been done in Delhi. This was done by IIT Kanpur through Cessna Aircraft. The aircraft entered Delhi from the direction of Meerut. Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar were covered… pic.twitter.com/h41NBQ8CEI
— ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2025
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | Cessna Aircraft reaches Meerut after the second trial of cloud seeding was conducted in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/KkmGLIBybO
— ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2025
What is Artificial rain?
Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is a weather modification method where aircraft release substances such as silver iodide or dry ice into moisture-laden clouds to stimulate rainfall. Aircraft are used to disperse these particles, which condense smaller cloud droplets into larger raindrops. It is considered helpful in areas facing drought or water shortages, boosting water supply for agriculture and drinking, and reducing air pollution by washing away dust and pollutants from the atmosphere.
