Delhi plans cloud seeding after Diwali, conducts two trial runs

The Delhi government has conducted two cloud-seeding trial runs near the airport in the past fortnight and is considering artificial rain after Diwali and Chhath to tackle worsening pollution, according to government sources. Sources told News9live and The Indian Express that officials are examining two to three possible dates including Chhath, but no official announcement is expected until after Diwali. The trials were flown at around 30,000 metres, higher than last year's (2025) operation at about 10,000 metres, which The Indian Express reports had no significant impact on the ground.

Delhi's air quality index has neared 400 and 367, with some stations reported by The Federal in the severe category, including Jahangirpuri at 459 and IIT Delhi at 445. Firecracker emissions during Diwali are expected to push pollution higher. Cloud seeding's success depends on suitable weather conditions and sufficient moisture, and officials have declined to confirm plans when contacted by The Indian Express.

Update, 5 November 2026: The Federal reports that Delhi's air quality index stood at 367, with Jahangirpuri at 459 and IIT Delhi at 445 in the severe category. It also notes that last year's (2025) trial at 10,000 feet failed to produce rain, while this year's trials were conducted at 30,000 feet. The other outlets confirm the trial details and government plans.