NewsIMTSCloud seeding, a weather control technique that helps existing clouds produce rain, is being used by at least 50 countries worldwide. The process involves releasing tiny particles like silver iodide or salt into moisture-rich clouds using aircraft or ground-based generators. India has conducted cloud seeding trials since the 1950s, primarily in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu to address drought. Recently, New Delhi has begun using artificial rain as an emergency measure to wash away air pollution. IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government are preparing for a major cloud seeding operation scheduled for October 28-30, 2025, to combat toxic winter smog. China leads globally in this technology, aiming to cover 5.5 million square kilometres with artificial rain by 2025. The UAE, which began cloud seeding in 1982, conducts about 1,000 hours of seeding annually to address water shortages. The United States, which invented cloud seeding in 1946, uses it in drought-prone states like California and Colorado. To participate in cloud seeding efforts, citizens can stay informed about local weather modification programs through government announcements. (Updated 31 Oct 2025, 02:21 IST; source: link)
How Cloud Seeding Creates Artificial Rain
Cloud seeding is a technique that helps clouds produce more rain by adding tiny particles like silver iodide or salt into moisture-rich clouds. These particles give water droplets something to form around, making them heavy enough to fall as rain. In India, this method has been tested since the 1950s, mainly in drought-affected states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Aircraft or ground-based generators release these particles into suitable clouds. The process requires existing clouds with enough moisture to work effectively. Scientists can target specific areas, though results depend on weather conditions and cannot create rain from clear skies.
India's Growing Use of Artificial Rain for Drought and Pollution
India is expanding its artificial rain programs to address two major challenges: water scarcity and air pollution. While earlier efforts focused on drought relief in agricultural regions, recent attention has turned to using cloud seeding as an emergency measure to wash away air pollution in cities like New Delhi. IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government are planning a major cloud seeding operation for October 2025 to combat the capital's toxic winter smog. This approach follows global examples, with China planning to cover 5.5 million square kilometres with artificial rain by 2025, and the UAE conducting about 1,000 hours of cloud seeding annually since 1982 to address water shortages.
Key Points
- Cloud seeding, a weather control technique that helps existing clouds produce rain, is being used by at least 50 countries worldwide.
- IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government are preparing for a major cloud seeding operation scheduled for October 28-30, 2025, to combat toxic winter smog.
- China leads globally in this technology, aiming to cover 5.5 million square kilometres with artificial rain by 2025.