Karnataka embarks on cloud seeding as dry spell threatens to worsen
The Karnataka government has initiated a cloud-seeding project to combat severe drought conditions and water scarcity in the region. The operation involves using aircraft to spray chemicals into clouds to induce rainfall, with a focus on reservoirs and agricultural districts.
Why it matters
As climate change exacerbates water stress, this project represents a high-stakes technological intervention to manage regional water security.
Amid drought conditions, the Karnataka government on Friday launched a cloud-seeding programme in the hope of triggering rainfall in areas facing a severe rain deficit.
The programme was flagged off at the HAL airport by Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, according to a government communiqué. A specially equipped light aircraft will be used for cloud-seeding operations, and the project is estimated to cost ₹28.52 crore.
The Minister admitted that a cloud-seeding operation undertaken earlier had a success rate of only 35%. However, he said every effort to augment water availability was important in the face of a worsening drought situation.
He said the State had received very little rainfall this year and that the southwest monsoon would conclude by the end of this month.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in