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However, the success mainly depends on how much humidity there is in the area that day, Professor Aggarwal said in an interview with News18 that if the experiment is successful, the model can be replicated for other cities like Lucknow, Mumbai and Patna.
Trial run and success
The professor said a test flight was conducted over Burari in Delhi earlier this week, demonstrating readiness for the upcoming operation.
He said the team completed “flare testing, fitment checks and coordination assessment” during the flight that passed through multiple locations between Kanpur and Delhi.
Flames erupted over small cloud areas identified near Burari. He said its purpose was system validation rather than rain generation and to check that “the aircraft and seeding equipment are functioning properly.”
The scientist told News18 that weather observations indicated limited cloud availability during the test, but the technical goals were fully achieved.
Artificial rain and impact on pollution
Professor Aggarwal explained about cloud seeding technology and how it introduces silver iodide and sodium chloride into moisture-rich clouds.
“These compounds act as condensation nuclei, helping water droplets form faster. If there is enough moisture in the atmosphere, this process enhances precipitation – essentially pushing clouds to rain,” he said.
He said that if atmospheric moisture is sufficient, precipitation may occur, which will help clean the pollutants.
Delhi is battling severe air pollution following Diwali celebrations, with AQI levels reaching the highest categories in many areas.
Professor Aggarwal said that if conditions are favorable for rainfall, the project could bring Delhi’s air into the “good” or “moderate” category, at par with hill cities.
“Even an effective spell of rain can bring down PM2.5 and PM10 levels significantly for several days,” he said.
Short-term relief awaits suitable skies
The scientist stressed that cloud seeding is only a short-term relief measure, describing it as an “emergency response tool, not a permanent cure”.
However, if it is successful in Delhi, the strategy could be adopted for “other highly polluted urban centres” across India such as Lucknow, Patna, Mumbai and Ghaziabad.
“Feasibility depends on local weather and administrative willingness. Wherever scientific conditions permit, our team is ready to assist,” he said.
According to News18, based on India Meteorological Department forecasts, the window for the cloud seeding effort is likely to be between October 28 and 30.
Professor Aggarwal said final confirmation depends on appropriate cloud formation. “The system has been tested, the logistics are ready and coordination is in place between IIT Kanpur, IISc, IMD and Delhi authorities. The only element beyond human control is the weather,” he said.
He urged netizens to remain optimistic, saying, “If everything goes as per plan, Delhiites may soon see not only rain but also science falling from the sky.”