IIT Kanpur receives DGCA approval for first cloud seeding trials over Delhi

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted permission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to conduct cloud seeding operations over Delhi from October 1 to November 30 this year. The clearance allows the use of aircraft VT-IIT, a Cessna 206H, for the project.

Officials said the operations will be carried out under visual flight rules (VFR) with prior clearance from air traffic control and coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Safety protocols require that pilots hold valid professional licences, current medical certification, and prior experience in similar operations.