Karnataka embarks on cloud seeding as dry spell threatens to worsen

Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy flagging off a specially equipped aircraft at HAL Airport in Bengaluru on Thursday during the launch of the State government’s cloud-seeding programme. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Amid drought conditions, the Karnataka government on Friday launched a cloud-seeding programme in the hope of triggering rainfall in areas facing a severe rain deficit.The programme was flagged off at the HAL airport by Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, according to a government communiqué. A specially equipped light aircraft will be used for cloud-seeding operations, and the project is estimated to cost ₹28.52 crore.The Minister admitted that a cloud-seeding operation undertaken earlier had a success rate of only 35%. However, he said every effort