Delhi’s Smoggy Skies Linger Amid Marginal AQI Relief, Cloud Seeding Trials Shelved

31st October 2025 at 11:39 AM

2 minutes read

Delhi on Tuesday conducted cloud seeding in several parts of the city, raising hopes that artificial rain may soon wash away the toxic air blanketing the capital.

Delhi’s persistent haze continues to blanket the city, even as air quality showed a modest uptick on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dipping to 288 by 6 a.m.—a notable drop from Thursday’s 373, according to readings from the Sameer app by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The improvement, however, offers little solace, as the overall AQI remains in the “poor” category, defined by the CPCB as 201-300. Several neighborhoods fared worse: Anand Vihar clocked in at 305 and Bawana at 363, both tipping into “very poor” territory (301-400). In contrast, spots like Burari Crossing (275) and Chandni Chowk (203) stayed within the “poor” range. For context, the CPCB scale rates 0-50 as “good,” 51-100 as “satisfactory,” 101-200 as “moderate,” and anything above 400 as “severe.”

Thursday had plunged the capital into “severe” conditions, with AQI at 373 amid choking smog that slashed visibility. Iconic sites such as Kartavya Path, Anand Vihar, Burari, and Akshardham were shrouded in fog from dawn, exacerbating the wintertime pollution crisis that plagues the region annually.

Adding to the challenges, experimental cloud seeding efforts—aimed at inducing rain to wash away pollutants—have hit a snag. The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur announced Wednesday that further trials are paused due to “insufficient moisture in the clouds.” The previous attempt on Tuesday yielded no meaningful precipitation, dashing hopes for quick relief.

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Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa acknowledged the setback but expressed optimism. Speaking to ANI, he noted current moisture levels hover at 10 to 15 percent, per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). “According to the IMD, there is still 10 to 15 per cent moisture. Yesterday, our trial was conducted at 10 to 15 per cent moisture, and now the next trial will be held when the moisture exceeds that level. As per IMD, the moisture is expected to increase further after 4 pm. Once the moisture report arrives, the next trial will begin immediately,” Sirsa said.

Political tensions simmered as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led administration. AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to X, citing a media report questioning the cloud seeding’s efficacy. “Actually, all the engines of this government have failed. This government itself has completely failed,” he posted, underscoring the frustration over stalled anti-pollution measures.

As winds stay calm and moisture lags, experts warn that without intervention, Delhi’s air could thicken further. The IMD forecasts a potential moisture boost later today, which could greenlight resumed seeding. For now, residents brace for another day under the pall, highlighting the urgent need for sustained action against the capital’s toxic haze.