Although several countries have previously used cloud seeding to produce rain to improve air quality or water crops during drought, this is the first time it is being tried in the Indian capital. The effectiveness of cloud seeding is a subject of scientific debate, with studies showing mixed results. The city's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday afternoon, with a reading of 304, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, which considers an air quality index of 0 to 50 to be 'good'. Artificial rain triggered by cloud seeding can bring down pollution by as much as 50%, but may need to be repeated, said Manindra Agrawal, a scientist at IIT-Kanpur. "If it rains, pollution comes down, (but) it will rise again because the source ... has not gone.

Source: bd News24 October 28, 2025 18:38 UTC