Delhi's ambitious plan to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding, an attempt to tackle air pollution via weather modification, has hit a roadblock. Despite completing technical and administrative preparations, the plan has been delayed due to the absence of suitable clouds. The Capital's skies have remained unusually dry even after Diwali, and according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), no favourable cloud window is expected before October 25.

What is cloud seeding and how does it work?

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique aimed at enhancing precipitation. It involves dispersing certain substances, most commonly silver iodide (AgI) or salt particles, into clouds. These particles act as nuclei around which water vapour condenses and eventually falls as rain.

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