New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, revealed on Thursday that the government has partnered with IIT Kanpur to initiate a pilot project utilizing cloud seeding technology, also known as artificial rain, aimed at purifying the air quality in the city.

During the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), CM Gupta stated, "This marks a significant advancement in our efforts to decrease pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region, contributing to a cleaner and healthier capital."

She shared the details of the MoU on X, remarking, "Today, an MoU was formalized between the Delhi government and IIT Kanpur to demonstrate and evaluate the efficacy of cloud seeding technology."

Previously, Delhi's Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, disclosed that the government had received final approval from the aviation regulatory body, allowing the execution of cloud seeding trials in the National Capital.

Describing it as a groundbreaking step towards the application of science-driven environmental strategies, Minister Sirsa noted that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) clearance signifies the commencement of Delhi's inaugural airborne initiative to combat pollution through induced precipitation.

He criticized the former AAP administration, stating, "Cloud seeding has been discussed for years but never actualized. For a decade, it remained merely theoretical."

"We have undertaken this initiative, coordinated with 13 departments, secured all necessary approvals, including from the DGCA, and now Delhi will finally experience cloud seeding operations from August 30 to September 10. This is a monumental accomplishment," the minister added.

He explained that while the initial DGCA clearance permitted operations between July 4 and July 11, 2025, insights from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, indicated that monsoon cloud patterns during this timeframe may not be conducive for optimal cloud seeding.

"Therefore, IIT Kanpur, in consultation with the Delhi Government, proposed an alternate timeline that is more favorable for the operation," he stated.

The cloud seeding missions will concentrate on regions likely to facilitate low-altitude cloud formation and high pollution retention. According to a preliminary flight plan devised by experts, cloud seeding aircraft will operate over areas including Kundli border zones, Alipur, Bawana, Rohini, Burari, Pavi Sadakpur, and segments along the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

The operations will be directed by the Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur, utilizing aircraft VT-IIT (Cessna 206-H), which has been equipped with specialized cloud-seeding technology.

He confirmed that the crew possesses previous experience in similar missions, and all obligatory DGCA requirements, including licenses and certifications, have been met.

"The cloud seeding technique will involve the dispersion of hygroscopic particles (such as sodium chloride or other aerosols) from below the cloud layer, enhancing precipitation and improving the washout of pollutants in the lower atmosphere," Minister Sirsa elaborated.

He noted that, according to the DGCA's approval letter, certain conditions must be satisfied: Flights are to be conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), with the aircraft maintaining continuous visibility of the terrain while avoiding obstacles; the use of aerial photography or videography during operations is strictly prohibited, and flights must stay within the designated airspace while avoiding prohibited or restricted areas unless special permissions are obtained.

The DGCA has also mandated that the flight operator must secure ATC clearance from the relevant aerodromes and maintain close coordination with aviation traffic units throughout all flights.

All operations must be meticulously documented, and the DGCA must be notified of any incidents, accidents, or irregularities occurring during the flights.