Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Karnataka Approves Cloud Seeding Amid Widespread Monsoon Rainfall Deficit
Karnataka has not received enough rain during the monsoon season.
This has raised concerns about drought-like conditions in many parts of the state.
The government plans to use cloud seeding to try to increase rainfall.
Cloud seeding involves aircraft operations intended to help clouds produce rain.
The project will use one aircraft for 200 hours over 60 days.
It is expected to cost Rs 28.52 crore.
Scientists from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre will supervise and assess the work.
The programme was approved after elected representatives requested action to address the rainfall shortage.
Karnataka has approved cloud seeding to address deficient monsoon rainfall and drought-like conditions.
The programme is estimated to cost Rs 28.52 crore, including Rs 27.52 crore in fixed costs and Rs 1 crore in variable costs.
Operations will use one aircraft for 200 flying hours over 60 days.
Rainfall deficiency reached 42 per cent by the end of June and 29 per cent by the end of July.
As of August 13, 178 taluks across 27 of Karnataka’s 31 districts had reported rainfall deficiency.
- Who
- The Karnataka state government, with technical supervision from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, will implement the programme.
- What
- The government approved a cloud seeding programme using one aircraft for 200 hours over 60 days.
- When
- The approval followed the State Cabinet meeting held on August 13; the programme is intended to address rainfall shortages during the 2026-27 water year.
- Where
- The operations will take place over Karnataka, where rainfall deficiency has been reported in 178 taluks across 27 districts.
- Why
- To mitigate the impact of deficient monsoon rainfall and drought-like conditions.
- Estimated cost
- Rs 28.52 crore
- Fixed cost
- Rs 27.52 crore
- Variable cost
- Rs 1 crore
- Programme duration
- 60 days
- Aerial operations
- 200 flying hours using one aircraft
- Rainfall deficit
- 42 per cent by the end of June and 29 per cent by the end of July
- Affected areas
- 178 taluks across 27 of Karnataka’s 31 districts as of August 13