Jaipur
Rajasthan Minister Kirodi Lal Meena announced on Thursday that artificial rain will be created using drones for the first time through cloud seeding at Jaipur's Ramgarh Dam. He stated that American scientists visited Rajasthan to assist with the process and held discussions with environment-related departments. All state departments have granted their No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and now only the Civil Aviation Ministry’s approval is awaited. Once approved, drones will fly at high altitudes to initiate the cloud seeding process over the dam area.
Meanwhile, to combat severe air pollution, Delhi's Environment Minister Majinder Singh Sirsa announced a trial of artificial rain through cloud seeding. The trials are scheduled to take place between late August and early September, especially to counter smog during Diwali and September. The Delhi government plans to conduct five cloud seeding trials in the outer areas of the capital.
Each artificial rain attempt is estimated to cost ₹66 lakhs, with an additional ₹55 lakhs for operations, bringing the total projected cost of the trial to around ₹2.55 crore. This initiative is part of Delhi’s larger goal to become a Viksit Delhi (Developed Delhi) by significantly reducing pollution levels.
Despite numerous past efforts to tackle air quality issues, Delhi continues to struggle with high pollution, especially in winter months. The upcoming trials are expected to offer a new and innovative solution to the persistent smog problem if proven successful.
