Cloud Seeding

Current Context : The Delhi government approved five cloud-seeding trials in May 2025, partnering with IIT Kanpur to induce rain and mitigate severe air pollution episodes.

About Cloud Seeding

Cloud seeding is a scientific weather modification technique.

• Technique: Dispersal of silver iodide particles into moisture-bearing clouds to trigger precipitation.
• Agent: Silver iodide—a yellow inorganic compound, also used in photography and medicine.
• Applications:
  • Rain Enhancement: Boosts rainfall to wash out particulate pollutants.
  • Hail Suppression: Prevents hail formation by promoting uniform droplet formation.
• Advantages:
• Water Security: Augments water availability in urban reservoirs.
• Health Benefits: Reduces smog-related respiratory illnesses.
• Economic Gain: Lowers crop and infrastructure damage from drought or hail.