IIT-Kanpur Defends Seeding Trial in Delhi, Cites 6-10% Dip In Pollutants Despite No Rain

This special report from India Today reviews Delhi's recent cloud seeding trial, a collaboration between the government and IIT Kanpur to combat severe air pollution, featuring insights from IIT Kanpur Director, Professor Manendra Agarwal. Professor Agarwal stated, 'We have been saying right from the beginning that we need clouds with reasonable amount of moisture in order to make it rain.' Despite no significant rainfall due to low moisture levels, the experiment is being hailed as a crucial data-gathering exercise. It marked the first time cloud seeding was attempted in India during winter to specifically target pollution. While the trial, costing an estimated ₹50-60 lakhs, faced political questions over its efficacy, scientists recorded a 6 to 10 percent reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 particles, providing a valuable foundation for future attempts to clear Delhi's toxic air.