4 days ago
Karnataka Forms Panels to Oversee Cloud Seeding Programme
Karnataka has not received enough monsoon rain in many places.
The government wants to use cloud seeding to try to increase rainfall.
Cloud seeding means putting special substances into suitable clouds.
The government has created two committees to manage the project.
One committee will supervise and review the work.
The other will provide scientific and technical advice.
The project is expected to cost about Rs 28.52 crore before GST.
It may run for 60 days in four parts of the state.
Officials expect rain within about 15 kilometres of the places where the flights operate.
Karnataka has formed Monitoring and Technical Advisory and Evaluation committees for its cloud seeding programme.
The panels will supervise operations and provide scientific guidance in areas facing deficient rainfall.
The programme is intended to address rainfall deficits and drought-like conditions during the 2026-27 year.
The project has administrative approval for an estimated Rs 28.52 crore, excluding GST.
Operations are expected to run for 60 days across four revenue divisions, with flights operating between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, including the Water Resources Department, Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited and Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, will implement the programme with technical advisers and other agencies.
- What
- The government has formed two committees to oversee and guide a cloud seeding programme.
- Where
- Cloud-seeding operations will be conducted across Karnataka’s four revenue divisions, with rainfall expected within a 15-kilometre radius of operating areas.
- When
- An order was issued on August 28; the programme is described as covering the current 2026-27 year and lasting 60 days.
- Why
- The programme is intended to respond to below-normal monsoon rainfall, rainfall-deficient areas and drought-like conditions, while benefiting standing crops.
Key facts
- Estimated cost
- Rs 28.52 crore, excluding GST
- Implementing agencies
- Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited under the Water Resources Department and Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre under the Revenue Department
- Committees
- Monitoring Committee and Technical Advisory and Evaluation Committee
- Programme duration
- 60 days
- Planned operations
- Approximately 200 hours
- Operating hours
- Flights are expected to operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Procurement
- Cloud-seeding services will be procured from Kyathi Climate Modification Consultants LLP, which received an exemption from the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act for this purpose
Sources
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