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Delhi Skips Third Cloud-Seeding Trial After Rainless Sorties

Officials describe the trials as evidence-based despite low cloud moisture limiting results.

Overview

  • Delhi did not proceed with a scheduled trial on Wednesday after two sorties on Tuesday produced no rain, with only 0.3 mm recorded over Noida and Greater Noida.
  • IIT-Kanpur reported cloud moisture at about 15%, saying rainfall was unlikely and noting only limited, localized reductions in particulate matter.
  • The institute’s preliminary report cited PM2.5 and PM10 drops at Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh and Burari, though unspecified timestamps and instances of PM2.5 exceeding PM10 raise data consistency concerns.
  • Analyses of CPCB and DPCC monitoring indicated air quality had begun improving hours before the seeding windows, making causal attribution uncertain.
  • The two flights covered roughly 300 sq km at a cost of about Rs 60 lakh, with officials saying any further attempts hinge on humidity as an editorial reported the project may be on hold.