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Why is the State government hell-bent on cloud seeding when we have good rains?

  • It's been over a month since the state is witnessing good rainfall
  • Meteorological department has predicted more rainfall for five more days
  • Farmers feel the cloud seeding may destroy their crops
Why State government is hell bent on cloud seeding when its raining good

After a series of drought in the last four years, the State is finally witnessing bountiful of rains this year. Not just the Malnad areas, even those considered the drought-prone areas are receiving a good amount of rainfall this year.

But despite that, the state government is going ahead with the cloud seeding project raising questions over the very purpose of the mega project, reports Kannada Prabha.

 

 

Following a four-year drought in the state, the Congress government decided to carry out the cloud seeding, keeping elections in the mind. In fact, the cloud seeding project is one of the most ambitious projects of the state. The aircraft carries silver iodide, potassium chloride and sodium chloride that help in precipitation when they are released into rain-bearing clouds to boost rainfall.

The state government has awarded the contract to Bengaluru-based Hoysala Projects Pvt Ltd for Rs 30 crore. As per the contract, the cloud seeding will be done in over 60 days.

After a few hiccups, the cloud seeding is being carried successfully in the state. But with the state receiving good rains and even the weather experts predicting five more days of heavy rain, the cloud seeding is still on. Several questions are being raised why the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) department is hell-bent on conducting the cloud seeding. Last week, it was done in Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts. Interestingly, both these districts are receiving heavy rainfall.

"The present climate is very suitable to identify the rain-bearing clouds. Hence we are conducting the cloud seeding," reports Kannada Prabha quoting an official from the RDPR department. But farmers are angry with the state government. With good rainfall this year, the farmers are expecting good harvest but the fear of possible flood due to heavy rains - thanks to cloud seeding - may destroy their crops, rue the farmers.  

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