Two days ago, Delhi made two attempts at creating artificial rain to help curb pollution levels. No rain, however, was recorded in Delhi after the trials, which were conducted in association with IIT-Kanpur.

Both Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and IIT-Kanpur, however, said the operation helped reduce particulate matter.

But what does data show?

An analysis of official monitoring data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) showed that air quality improvements on Tuesday began hours before the cloud seeding operation, and that pollution levels fluctuated and even rose afterwards.

The first round of cloud seeding was carried out between 12.13 pm and 2.30 pm on Tuesday, and the second between 3.45 pm and 4.45 pm.

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