Can ₹30 Crore Make It Rain? Delhi’s Cloud Seeding Controversy
New Delhi, October 2025: Amid rising pollution levels and a dry spell that’s choking the capital, the Delhi government has turned to an unconventional solution — cloud seeding. But with a ₹30 crore budget allocated for this artificial rain experiment, questions are pouring in faster than the rain itself. Kya sach mein ₹30 crore se barsaat ho sakti hai?
🌫️ What Is Cloud Seeding?
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique where chemicals like silver iodide or potassium iodide are dispersed into clouds to stimulate precipitation. Yeh ek artificial method hai jisse clouds ko “encourage” kiya jata hai ki wo barish karein. The idea is simple: if clouds have enough moisture, these chemicals can trigger rainfall.
💸 The ₹30 Crore Gamble
According to IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal, the cost of continuous cloud seeding throughout Delhi’s winter season could reach ₹25 crore. The current contract signed by the Delhi government is worth ₹3.5 crore for 10 attempts. However, the total budget earmarked for the broader initiative is ₹30 crore, sparking criticism over its feasibility and effectiveness.
🌧️ What Went Wrong?
Despite two trials conducted in Burari, Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar, no rainfall occurred. Experts cited low moisture levels in the atmosphere as the primary reason for failure. The dry winter air in Delhi simply didn’t support the chemical reaction needed to produce rain.
🌍 Global Context: Does Cloud Seeding Work?
Cloud seeding has been used in countries like the UAE, China, and the US. In India, it was previously tested in Maharashtra and Karnataka during drought years. However, its success rate remains inconsistent. It’s not a guaranteed fix — more like a calculated risk.
🧪 Scientific Concerns
- Requires specific atmospheric conditions (humidity, cloud density).
- Short-term solution — doesn’t address root causes of pollution.
- Potential ecological side effects of chemical dispersal.
🏛️ Political Optics vs. Practical Solutions
Critics argue that the cloud seeding initiative is more about optics than impact. With elections around the corner, some believe it’s a PR move to show action against pollution. Meanwhile, environmentalists stress the need for long-term reforms like reducing vehicular emissions, controlling construction dust, and improving public transport.
📊 Cost Breakdown
- ₹3.5 crore for 10 cloud seeding attempts.
- ₹25 crore estimated for full-season coverage.
- ₹30 crore total budget sanctioned by Delhi government.
📍 Locations of Trials
Cloud seeding trials were conducted in:
- Burari
- North Karol Bagh
- Mayur Vihar
📣 Public Reaction
Delhiites are divided. Some welcome any effort to reduce pollution, while others call it a “waste of taxpayer money.” Social media is buzzing with memes, debates, and skepticism.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Is cloud seeding safe?
A1: Generally considered safe, but long-term ecological impacts are still being studied.
Q2: Can cloud seeding guarantee rain?
A2: No. It depends on atmospheric moisture and cloud conditions.
Q3: Why did Delhi’s cloud seeding fail?
A3: Experts cited low moisture levels in the atmosphere during trials.
Q4: Is ₹30 crore justified?
A4: That’s the controversy — many say it’s too expensive for uncertain results.
Q5: Has cloud seeding worked elsewhere?
A5: Yes, in places like UAE and China, but results vary widely.
🧾 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To induce artificial rain and reduce pollution |
| Budget | ₹30 crore sanctioned by Delhi government |
| Execution | 10 trials planned, 2 conducted so far |
| Outcome | No rain observed, trials deemed unsuccessful |
| Controversy | High cost vs. low success rate |