Now Reading: Karnataka to start cloud seeding in 2 days to tackle rain deficit
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Karnataka to start cloud seeding in 2 days to tackle rain deficit
The Karnataka government will undertake cloud seeding over the next 60 days to address a cumulative rainfall deficit of 22 per cent this monsoon season. The operation, expected to start within two…
The Karnataka government will undertake cloud seeding over the next 60 days to address a cumulative rainfall deficit of 22 per cent this monsoon season. The operation, expected to start within two days, will involve three panels including experts from IIT, IISc and the meteorological department.
Water Resources Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said cloud seeding has been tried three times in the state before with a success rate of 18-20 per cent, and that a 30 per cent success rate would make the project worthwhile. The 60-day exercise will involve about 200 flying hours and cost approximately Rs 27 crore.
As per IMD data, Karnataka has received actual rainfall of 497.8 mm against a normal of 636.6 mm so far this monsoon. The move comes amid concerns the deficit could cause water shortages in coming months. Rainfall is expected within a 15-km radius of cloud-seeding locations, with September considered the most suitable period.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Cloud seeding as a rain enhancement technique has been deployed in several Indian states including Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra during drought years, but its effectiveness remains debated among meteorologists. The Karnataka government's stated success rate of 18-20 per cent from past attempts means the Rs 27 crore investment would need to produce roughly 30 per cent additional rainfall to break even on cost. The real metric to watch will be whether September's dense cloud cover actually materialises as predicted, since the entire 60-day window hinges on suitable cloud availability. If the deficit continues into October, reservoir levels across the Cauvery and Krishna basins could face acute stress heading into the dry season.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
