The authorities in New Delhi tried cloud seeding techniques to reduce pollution, but the operation failed due to low humidity.

Although the experiment took place under conditions of intense smog, it failed due to a lack of humidity, resulting in only a modest reduction of airborne particles. The air quality index in Delhi was alarming, with values 20 times above the safe limit. Although the director of the Indian Institute of Technology acknowledged that the method cannot be a long-term solution, authorities intend to repeat the experiment when atmospheric conditions allow. Historically, Delhi has attempted this technique in 1957 and 1972, but the current initiative is the first aimed at reducing pollution.