Exclusive: IIT Kanpur director Manindra Agarwal on Delhi's cloud seeding process

This special report focuses on Delhi's cloud seeding experiment to combat air pollution, featuring an exclusive interview with IIT Kanpur Director, Manindra Aggarwal. Professor Aggarwal states, 'Cloud seeding is not a solution to the problem of pollution. It's an SOS measure.' The initial trials were paused due to unfavourable weather conditions, specifically low moisture in the clouds. Professor Aggarwal clarifies that the first flights were intended to gather data, even with the knowledge that they were unlikely to produce rain. He explains that while there was a minor 10-20% drop in PM2.5 levels, cloud seeding is a temporary measure, with a potential cost of ₹25 crore for the winter season. The project is framed as a scientific experiment to provide temporary relief during severe pollution episodes, not a permanent fix for the crisis.