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Karnataka cloud seeding program and drought response

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2026-09-05 09:15 UTC → 2026-09-06 14:07 UTC · added ~~removed~~

To address a significant monsoon rainfall deficit, the Karnataka government has approved an emergency cloud seeding program. The initiative is expected to cost approximately Rs. 27 to 28.52 crore and will run for 60 days, involving roughly 200 flight hours. The program aims to target regions experiencing 50-60 percent rainfall deficits to mitigate risks of crop failure and shortages of drinking water and cattle fodder. Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvaraswamy announced the establishment of specialized committees to oversee the project, including a Monitoring Committee and a Technical Advisory and Evaluation Committee featuring experts from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). However, recent developments indicate challenges in implementation. Weather experts from the IMD and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre have cautioned that current atmospheric conditions are unsuitable for cloud seeding, suggesting the government defer efforts until October. In response to the ongoing drought, the Karnataka Cabinet scheduled a special Assembly session for September 21 to 23. Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, following a survey in the Bagalkot district, noted that while crops like sunflower, chilli, horse gram, and pigeon pea may appear green, they are failing to yield due to drought and disease. To address these issues, Shivakumar has launched ‘Praja Seve Abhiyana’, a citizen-connect campaign featuring a paperless public grievance redressal system where ministers and MLAs will meet citizens at the taluk and village cluster levels. Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced plans to lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to urge the Union Government to provide drought relief and facilitate a farm loan waiver.

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