Karnataka govt weighs cloud seeding to tackle rain deficit, reservoir inflows
Bengaluru: With several parts of Karnataka witnessing a rain deficit and inflows into major reservoirs declining, the state government has begun exploring cloud seeding as a possible measure to address the situation.
A high-level review meeting chaired by water resources minister N Cheluvarayaswamy was held at Vidhana Soudha on Monday to discuss the feasibility of cloud seeding. Senior officials, including additional chief secretaries of the state government and officials from the water resources department, reviewed the monsoon situation and water storage levels in key reservoirs.
Cheluvarayaswamy also held separate discussions with officials of the Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam, Karnataka Neeravari Nigam and Visvesvaraya Jala Nigam. He sought details on water availability, reservoir inflows and preparations to release water into irrigation canals under the respective corporations.
Officials were directed to take necessary precautionary measures keeping farmers’ interests in mind.
An official study on the feasibility of cloud seeding has also been initiated to explore whether artificial rain could help mitigate the rainfall deficit. Another high-level meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to examine the findings of the study and assess the potential advantages and limitations of the proposed operation.
Experts from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC), along with principal secretaries and additional chief secretaries, are expected to attend the meeting. The government is also likely to discuss and possibly finalise a suitable agency capable of carrying out cloud-seeding operations.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court hearing on the release of Cauvery water has been adjourned to next Monday. Cheluvarayaswamy said the government was prioritising the interests of farmers as well as drinking water requirements amid the prevailing situation.
He added that the government was closely monitoring weather conditions and water availability in reservoirs and would take further measures based on the evolving situation.
