Delhi: Artificial rain project postponed to August-end

Following consultations with meteorological experts and in light of the current weather patterns, the project team proposed a revised window -- August 30 to September 10 -- when the monsoon is expected to recede

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

With monsoon drenching the capital, Delhi’s pilot cloud seeding project to curb air pollution was deferred to the end of August, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said Tuesday.

The minister announced the change in schedule during a press conference here, citing ongoing rains that may not provide ideal conditions and could fail to yield the desired results.

Last week, he revealed that the initial time window for cloud seeding was set between July 4 and July 11, as conditions were not suitable before July 3.

However, following consultations with meteorological experts and in light of the current weather patterns, the project team proposed a revised window -- August 30 to September 10 when the monsoon is expected to recede.

Sirsa expressed confidence that this new period is likely to offer more suitable cloud formations for the seeding process.