Delhi's first cloud-seeding trial used chemicals to boost rainfall and reduce air pollution, but effectiveness and safety remain uncertain.

Delhi conducted its first cloud-seeding trial to combat severe air pollution by enhancing rainfall, using silver iodide or salt-based chemicals to stimulate raindrop formation in clouds. The technique, developed in the 1940s, aims to wash pollutants from the atmosphere, though global evidence of its effectiveness remains limited. Environmental concerns include potential silver iodide toxicity and greenhouse gas emissions from dry ice. The trial highlights ongoing efforts to assess cloud seeding’s role in urban air quality improvement, with careful planning and monitoring required for safety and accuracy.