Delhi's Bold Cloud-Seeding Experiment: A Step Towards Cleaner Skies

The Delhi Cabinet has approved cloud-seeding trials managed by IIT-Kanpur, with a total budget of Rs 3.21 crore. This initiative aims to combat air pollution and water issues in the city. Comprehensive scientific evaluation will follow to assess its effectiveness and environmental impact.

The Delhi Cabinet has greenlit a pioneering project encompassing five cloud-seeding trials, under the technical oversight of IIT-Kanpur. The initiative comes with a budget of Rs 3.21 crore, designed to combat Delhi's notorious air pollution and erratic water supply challenges.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa described it as a crucial step in the city's broader strategy to elevate air quality. With Rs 2.75 crore earmarked for trials and Rs 66 lakh for logistical preparations, the project aims to serve as a contingency plan during peak pollution periods.

Planning and execution responsibilities fall to IIT-Kanpur, which will conduct a comprehensive scientific evaluation after initially covering 100 square kilometres on Delhi's periphery. All necessary permissions, including those from civil aviation and environmental bodies, are being obtained to ensure a seamless implementation.