Cloud seeding and artificial rain require special weather conditions and multiple coordination’s.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has reportedly developed a possible solution to the problem of air pollution in Delhi and its surrounding areas. They offer artificial rain using cloud seeding to remove pollutants and dust from the air.

The leading institute has been working for more than five years to create the conditions for artificial rain and in July made successful experiments, reports the Economic Times. According to the report, the researchers received the necessary permissions for cloud seeding from government agencies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

However, the realization of artificial rain requires special weather conditions, such as clouds with sufficient moisture and suitable wind. Cloud seeding and artificial rain is still not an exact science, and it remains to be seen whether it will work in the pre-winter months or on a large scale. It also requires several permissions, including from the DGCA, the Home Ministry and the Special Protection Group in charge of the prime minister's security, to fly planes through the national capital for fresh air.

In September, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rain said the city government was preparing to try cloud seeding as part of its winter air pollution action plan. “Experts from IIT-Kanpur also gave a presentation on how to produce artificial rain. We asked them to prepare a detailed presentation outlining various aspects such as implementation and financial burden. The presentation will be submitted to the MK, and we are still exploring the possibilities of implementing the measures,” said Rai.