Cloud seeding plan postponed

Bagalkot: The government’s decision to take up cloud seeding in parts of the state has been postponed after the pre-monsoon showers that brought a huge respite to people from the scorching summer.

This decision comes after the most drought hit-regions in the districts of Karnataka-Mumbai region received rains in the third week of May. This rain has forced the authorities to postpone the plans of cloud seeding to next month in July, informed sources.

It may be ecalled that the state government had sought permission from Election Commission of India (ECI) to review the drought situation in the state at a time when the election code was in force, Revenue Minister R V Deshpande reviewed the drought-hit districts of Mumbai-Karnataka region.

Following the review by the government, RV Deshpande in n a press conference revealed that as pre-monsoon showers are delayed, the state government is planning for cloud seeding in selected areas of the state. He had also said, “The necessary preparations for cloud seeding is on the line and it will be done either in the last week of May or in early June.”

The Karnataka cabinet on May 27 had approved a cloud seeding programme, to be implemented in June, following reports that there would be deficit rainfall in the state, following which the Rural Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda told reporters that his department has called a tender for two years for cloud seeding at a cost of Rs 88 crore.

The cabinet had also approved the proposal for Rs 93 crore, as the bidder quoted Rs 91 crore, he said, adding the amount also includes Rs two crore lump sum grant for the department.