In a bid to tackle smog, 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.

The operation was undertaken by an aircraft from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, carrying special salt-based and silver iodide flares designed to trigger rain. The exercise was slated to take place at 12:30 pm, but was delayed due to low visibility.

The modified Cessna-206H flew over moisture-laden clouds on the northern fringes of Delhi, where chemicals like silver iodide and sodium chloride were released to induce precipitation.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said if successful, artificial rain through cloud seeding could help reduce air pollution levels significa

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