“Delhi’s ₹64 Lakh Cloud Seeding Plan: Can Money Really Wash Away Winter Smog?”

Is Delhi’s ₹64 Lakh Cloud Seeding Plan Effective in Eliminating Winter Smog? Millions of people in Delhi, the capital of India, are aware that winter is pollution season when the skies become grey and the air becomes oppressive and stifling. This time, in an attempt to create fake rain and purify the air, the government has launched a daring and costly experiment, paying about ₹64 lakh each cloud-seeding mission. However, experts are seriously questioning whether money can actually cause rain and reduce pollutants. Or is this only another expensive show-stopper that won’t address the underlying issue?

 

What’s the plan?

Together with IIT Kanpur and other organizations, the Delhi government conducted cloud-seeding experiments throughout a portion of the city in late 2025. To put it simply, an airplane enters moist clouds and emits flares or particles (such salt-based compounds and silver iodide) that aid in the formation of water droplets that eventually fall as rain. It is hoped that a sudden downpour will clear the air of airborne pollutants (such as PM2.5 and PM10), settle dust and soot, and temporarily purify Delhi’s air.

 

Reports state that the approved budget for all five studies is approximately ₹3.2 crore, or about ₹64 lakh for each study.

 

Why Delhi feels desperate

Delhi’s winter fog poses a major health risk in addition to being an annoyance.  Pollutants from automobiles, factories, dust, fireworks, burning crops in nearby states, and construction are all trapped in cold air.  The outcome was extremely high Air Quality Index (AQI) readings that were classified as “very poor” or worse.  The authorities are under increasing pressure to take drastic measures when visibility is poor, your lungs are burning, and you would prefer to stay indoors.  In that way, cloud seeding provides a dazzling solution: clear the air and make it rain.

 

But the catch: Why experts are sceptical

This is when things become complex.  These are the main concerns raised by a number of atmospheric and environmental scientists:

 

1.Moisture and cloud conditions

The proper cloud type—moisture content, cloud density, etc.—is necessary for cloud seeding to function.  The air is frequently too dry in Delhi during the winter, and clouds may not contain enough water for seeding to produce significant rainfall.  Many winter clouds in North India have low moisture content, making them unsuitable for this approach, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

 

2.Temporary fix, not a long-term solution

The relief is just temporary, even if cloud seeding is successful and it rains.  Emissions will continue to flow in, and pollution will return the very next day.  Since cloud seeding, the city has not yet seen any significant rainfall.  Experts cautioned that toxins will swiftly return even if rains arrive and wash them out.

 

3.Cost vs. benefit

It may seem glamorous to spend ₹64 lakh per trial for a few hours of possible rain, but is it really worth it when the effects are unpredictable and fleeting?  According to some detractors, the funds would be better used for dust suppression, cleaner transportation, stricter industry rules, and car emissions control—actions that truly cut pollution at its source.

 

4.It doesn’t tackle root causes

Making it rain doesn’t solve the main causes of Delhi’s haze, which include industry, transportation, construction dust, and agricultural stubble burning in nearby states.  The air may briefly clear with a drop of rain, but the smog returns if the pollution persists.

 

What happened so far?

The experiment’s uncertainty is demonstrated by the preliminary experiments.  Flares were thrown during the initial few seeding flights over locations including Khekra, Burari, and Mayur Vihar in an attempt to induce rain.  Nevertheless, some significant obstacles surfaced: no substantial rainfall followed, and moisture levels were below the necessary threshold (some clouds had less than 20% moisture compared to the ~50% needed).  After reviewing the idea, the CPCB declared cloud-seeding for Delhi “not feasible” given the current winter climate.

 

So what does this mean for Delhi’s air?

As a result, even while the cloud-seeding proposal has some appeal, it is unlikely to make a significant and long-lasting difference in Delhi’s air quality.  Here are some things to remember:

 

1.Yes, there may be a momentary decrease in pollution if it rains artificially.  But the drop won’t endure until emissions are reduced.

2.The weather window is constrained because Delhi’s winters are frequently dry and steady, making seeding potentially ineffective.

3.Cloud seeding rain may increase visibility or provide psychological respite, but it cannot replace structural transformation.

4.Making big investments without knowing if they would be successful runs the danger of taking money away from long-term plans.

 

What should really be done?

 

Experts advise concentrating on these sustainable tactics if Delhi wants to genuinely breathe easier:

 

1.Reduce vehicle emissions by switching to electric vehicles, enforcing emission standards more strictly, and reducing the number of outdated diesel vehicles.  Reduce emissions from construction and dust by cleaning roads, covering construction sites, and using dust suppression techniques.

2.Management of crop burning in surrounding states: Cutting back on stubble burning helps because smoke flows into Delhi.  Better enforcement and monitoring of the air:  Real-time data, more stringent oversight, and government-wide coordination

3.Green cover and urban planning include planting trees, making areas greener, and refraining from practices that trap pollutants or exacerbate urban heat islands.  Changes in public knowledge and behaviour:  Better waste management, cleaner home fuels, and less firecrackers at festivals

 

So, is the ₹64 lakh cloud-seeding plan a waste?

Not totally—it could be beneficial in some way, and it’s a good idea to use technology to combat pollution.  To put it simply, though, the idea is a band-aid rather than a treatment.  Delhi may have a little sense of comfort, but until the underlying reasons are addressed, the sickness won’t be cured.  If it is employed as a headline grab without significant pollution reduction action, critics refer to it as a “gimmick” or “snake-oil solution.”  Yes, there is a chance that money will be spent, people will be impressed by the technology for a day, and the smog will return if the government uses this as the solution because the underlying problems were not resolved.

 

Final thoughts for readers:

Don’t rely solely on artificial rain if you’re in Delhi and hoping for some fresh air this winter.  Yes, keep an eye on the skies, but also keep an eye out for actual change.  Inquire as to whether the cars are being removed, if emissions are being reduced, whether dust is being controlled, and if regulations are being followed.  Because only action on the ground will diminish the dirt itself, even when rain may remove some of it from the air.

 

In short :Indeed, ₹64 lakh per cloud-seeding mission attracts attention and demonstrates purpose. However, throwing flares at clouds won’t result in true victories. They result from daily efforts to clean up the sources of pollution.