BENGALURU: The Karnataka government is preparing to launch cloud-seeding operations across four revenue divisions to address the rainfall deficit and prevent a possible water crisis, water resources minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said.
The project, estimated to cost ₹27 crore, has completed the required administrative preparations. Three special committees will be formed to oversee the operation, while an initial technical trial is expected within the next two to three days.
The minister said monitoring and technical committees headed by the development commissioner would assess the exercise and recommend further action. Two high-level meetings have already been held in this regard.
“Even a 30% success rate would be beneficial,” Cheluvarayaswamy said, adding that Karnataka had undertaken cloud-seeding operations three times earlier. The current rainfall deficit and concerns among farmers had prompted the government to undertake the exercise again, he said.
The operation will depend on the availability of suitable clouds and is planned over a 60-day period, with cloud-seeding activities scheduled based on prevailing conditions.
The government is aware that cloud seeding has a limited and uncertain success rate. However, the initiative is being pursued as an additional measure to improve the possibility of rainfall amid concerns over water availability and agricultural needs.
Officials have been directed to complete the necessary preparations, with the committees expected to monitor the technical aspects and effectiveness of the operation.