Overview
- Officials say systems are set for a full operation in an IMD-flagged window of October 28–30, with October 29 named as the likely date if suitable clouds form.
- IIT Kanpur’s Cessna 206-H (VT-IIT) released silver iodide and sodium chloride flares over Delhi’s northern fringe during the test, which recorded moisture below about 15–20%, far short of the ~50% typically needed.
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has cleared cloud-seeding flights between October 1 and November 30, with coordination from IMD and IITM Pune.
- The ₹3.21 crore programme, approved for five trials focused on northwest Delhi, plans to use modified Cessna aircraft and proceed only under favorable meteorological conditions.
- Scientists and opposition leaders questioned efficacy, cost, and environmental risks, noting any pollution relief would likely be limited and temporary.