Overview

• The DGCA has authorised IIT Kanpur to conduct operations between October 1 and November 30 using Cessna 206‑H VT‑IIT under visual flight rules with no foreign crew, no aerial photography and prior ATC and NOTAM coordination.
• Delhi signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur on September 25 for up to five trial sorties, with the first tentatively targeted for early October over northwest Delhi from Hindon airbase subject to final meteorological clearance.
• IIT Kanpur will lead the missions in consultation with IMD and IITM, and agencies will assess short-term impacts using Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations around the seeding zones.
• Flights will proceed only if suitable moisture-bearing clouds are present, with nimbostratus identified as preferred targets based on altitude and moisture thresholds.
• Officials describe the exercise as a limited pilot intended to provide temporary relief from winter pollution, with local reports putting the estimated cost at about Rs 3.2 crore.