AAP questions cloud seeding trial in Delhi's Burari, alleges SOP breach as residents not informed

New Delhi, Oct 24 (PTI) AAP leader and Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha on Friday raised objections on the recent cloud seeding trial conducted in Delhi’s Burari area, alleging that the exercise was done without informing local residents or public representatives, in "violation of standard operating procedures".

There was no immediate response available from the Delhi government over the allegations.

Addressing a press conference, Jha said, “When you try to do cloud seeding, there are standard operating procedures (SOPs) that must be followed, which were ignored. No one in Burari was informed when the trial was held. I am the local MLA, yet I came to know about it only later. Not a single citizen saw the plane.” He alleged that the government conducted the exercise “quietly” despite making public spectacles of other events such as the arrival of Rafale jets and Cheetahs in India.

“Why was cloud seeding done in secrecy? The chemical used can be harmful to crops and people. In every country where cloud seeding happens, local residents are alerted in advance,” Jha said, demanding that the government share a full analytical report of the trial, including the amount and composition of the chemicals used.

He further questioned the choice of Burari for the test, claiming it reflected an “insensitive attitude” towards migrant-dominated areas.

“Why only northeast Delhi? Will pollution across the city be solved by a small trial in one part?” he asked.

On Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the city is set to witness its first-ever artificial rain through cloud seeding — a major step in Delhi’s technological efforts to fight pollution.

“Preparations have been completed, and a successful trial was conducted in the Burari area,” Gupta said in a post on X.

According to the chief minister, cloudy conditions are expected between October 28 and 30, with Delhi likely to witness its first artificial rain on October 29 if the weather remains favourable.

“This initiative marks a scientific and innovative approach to cleaning Delhi’s air,” she added.

Officials said the trial involved the release of small amounts of silver iodide and sodium chloride from an aircraft, but due to low moisture levels — below 20 per cent — no rainfall occurred.

BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the proving flight, operated by IIT Kanpur, tested the system’s endurance and coordination between agencies, covering areas including Meerut, Khekra, Burari, and Aligarh. PTI MHS MNK MNK