In the cult classic 'Lagaan', the rain scene at the end of the film is crucial to its climax. The arrival of rains in the drought-hit village symbolised the victory of the loosely knit cricket team over the mighty British. On Tuesday, Delhi residents would have hoped for something similar -- a downpour following the much-hyped cloud seeding trials and eventually a 'victory' over pollution. However, not a single drop fell, and the national capital's toxic air hung heavy as ever.

Over the years, successive governments in Delhi have flirted with the idea of cloud seeding to induce artificial rain, especially during the winter months, when colder temperatures and low wind speeds trap pollutants close to the ground. Artificial rain can help wash suspended pollutants out of the air, but

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