Delhi plans its maiden cloud seeding trial to curb pollution

The Environment Minister of Delhi, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, explained that the trial is a major step to make the air quality in the city better. IIT Kanpur will deal with the technical operations with IMD Pune, Sirsa said. The Delhi government has received approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Each session of cloud seeding will be around 90 minutes, covering about 100 square kilometers, using a special mix of salt and nanoparticles sprayed from an aircraft. However, the IMD has clarified that the weather needs to be perfect during the trial.

The project is likely to cost Rs 3.21 crore, and the trial will take place over less busy air zones in northwest and outer Delhi. Minister Sirsa called this trial a historic feat for Delhi, with a single aim to provide clean air to every citizen of the city.