With the capital covered in a dense layering of smog that was a consequence of Diwali celebrations, Delhi government has planned to do the cloud seeding or artificial rain around October 29-2025 in order to cut down the hazardous pollution levels. However, while the city is hoping for a possible “miracle shower”, the experts are still not sure if it will work.
The decision comes when the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi indicates the ‘severe’ category, which is mainly caused by stubble burning in the nearby states, vehicular emissions, and stagnant wind conditions. The authorities believe that the inducing of rain might cleanse the pollutants and provide a short-term respite for the residents who are desperate for cleaner air.
However, the implementation of this idea has been postponed more than once in the past few days because of the unsteady weather conditions. The treatments will mainly depend upon the presence of adequate cloud cover and humidity — the two primary ingredients for a successful cloud-seeding operation.
🌧️ Can Cloud Seeding Really Clear Delhi’s Air?
The scientific community is not unanimous about the impact of cloud seeding as an effective means of controlling pollution.
On one side, a group of scientists thinks that artificial rain can cut down the level of particulate matter momentarily, thus providing temporary relief. On the other side, some are already warning that the technique gives no enduring solution, particularly with Delhi’s winter smog problem resurfacing after every few months.
One more way of looking at the issue is from the meteorologists’ point of view, who caution that Delhi’s dry winter atmosphere very often lacks the amount of cloud and moisture required, which therefore makes the seeding not only technically difficult but also quite uncertain. “It’s not a guaranteed fix,” says an IMD scientist. “Even under ideal conditions, the success rate remains uncertain.”
💨 Pollution Worsens Across NCR
The density of the smog has increased and thus visibility is affected in major areas of the Delhi-NCR region. Residents are complaining of respiratory problems, burning sensations in the eyes, and headaches. The schools and health authorities have advised the public to stay indoors, especially kids and the aged.
At the same time, the Green lobby is rebuking the authorities for not adopting the environmentally friendly solution — which involves, among other measures, ceasing stubble burning, use of cleaner fuels, and enhanced reliance on public transport — because these are the only measures that can afford the air in the long run.
Nevertheless, for the time being, the people of Delhi are simply looking at the heavens and wishing that this trial of artificial rain can at least create a moment of relief.
