Belagavi: In response to the persistent drought conditions plaguing the district, the Karnataka government has granted approval for a cloud seeding project proposed by two private companies. As several taluks in Belagavi continue to grapple with a severe rainfall deficit, Kyathi Climate Modification Consultants (LLP) and Belgaum Sugars Private Limited have stepped up to fund the cloud seeding initiative, which is set to commence in the coming week.
The request to initiate cloud seeding was initially presented to the district administration by these private entities and subsequently made its way to the Revenue Department in Bengaluru. After thorough deliberation, T C Kantaraj, the joint secretary of the Revenue Department, has given the green light for the project. Notably, the permission carries the official approval of Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
However, the government’s authorization comes with explicit directives for the applicants. They are required to obtain all necessary permissions in accordance with the law before embarking on this ambitious meteorological endeavor. Furthermore, Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil has been designated as the overseer of the entire operation, with explicit instructions to offer guidance as needed.
Although the precise date for the cloud seeding operation remains uncertain, all signs point to its commencement in the upcoming week, pending final approvals from relevant authorities.
*The urgency of such interventions is underscored by recent events. On September 4, Ranebennur MLA initiated a similar cloud-seeding exercise in his constituency due to the glaring absence of rain.
Following thorough assessments of crop loss, the Karnataka government officially declared severe drought conditions in 161 taluks and moderate drought conditions in 34 taluks on September 13. Given this grim reality, the government is now set to forward the report to the Central Government, seeking compensation for the affected regions.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing the concerning meteorological trends, highlighted that August had been an exceedingly dry month for the state, with a disheartening rain deficit of 73 percent. In the face of these challenges, the government’s decision to embrace cloud seeding as a potential solution reflects its commitment to mitigating the impact of drought on the beleaguered Belagavi district.