As air quality worsens after Diwali, Delhi plans artificial rain

New Delhi: The Delhi government is preparing to carry out its long-awaited artificial rain project through cloud seeding this week as pollution levels in the capital have worsened following Diwali celebrations and the widespread use of firecrackers.

Officials said the administration, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta who had campaigned on a pledge to improve Delhi’s air quality, is awaiting final clearance from the meteorological department. The approval is expected between October 24 and 26, when weather conditions are likely to be suitable for the operation.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa recently indicated that the first round of cloud seeding would take place after Diwali, once the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) gives its go-ahead.

He explained during a press briefing last week that pilots had already conducted trial flights over the designated area, and that both aircraft and crew were fully prepared for the task, NDTV reported.

According to Sirsa, all necessary permissions and logistical arrangements have been completed. He noted that the planes have been fitted with the required seeding equipment and that the pilots are familiar with the operation zones, adding that only the IMD’s formal approval remains pending.

Originally planned for July, the project was postponed multiple times due to unsuitable weather, disturbances during the monsoon, and the absence of adequate cloud formation. It was later rescheduled for before Diwali but had to be delayed again.