Overview

• Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the first test is expected the day after Diwali or shortly after, subject to the IMD’s green signal and suitable clouds.
• Pilots have completed familiarisation flights over the target area, aircraft are fitted with seeding equipment, and crews are trained.
• The DGCA has authorised IIT Kanpur to conduct operations under Rule 26(2) with a Cessna 206-H (VT-IIT) during the Oct 1–Nov 30 window under visual flight rules.
• Delhi signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur for five trials in northwest Delhi, transferred funds, and is coordinating with IITM Pune and the IMD.
• Delhi’s AQI reached about 234 on Oct 14, prompting CAQM to activate GRAP‑1 restrictions and a 27‑point action plan across the NCR.