--- title: "Karnataka kicks off ₹27-crore cloud seeding to tackle rainfall deficit" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/karnataka-cloud-seeding-27-crore-395xq publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Science & Technology published: 2026-08-25T15:02:52.065Z modified: 2026-08-25T17:00:05.297Z language: en-IN --- # Karnataka kicks off ₹27-crore cloud seeding to tackle rainfall deficit Karnataka will launch a ₹27-crore cloud seeding program across four revenue divisions, aiming for up to 30% success over 60 days and 200 flying hours. The effort involves three formal committees and runs daily from 8am to 6pm, with September identified as the optimal window. ## Key takeaways - Karnataka will execute cloud seeding across four revenue divisions with a total budget of ₹27 crore. - The operation spans 60 days and includes about 200 flying hours, with seeding flights from 8 AM to 6 PM daily. - A three-tier governance framework (Monitoring, Technical, Field Operation & Evaluation) will oversee the project, supported by IISc, IIT, and IMD experts. - Historical success rates for Karnataka’s cloud seeding are cited at 18%–20%; the current campaign targets 30%. - Optimal cloud conditions are expected in September, with activity planned to be adjusted to real-time atmospheric data. ## What Happened The Karnataka government has initiated a cloud seeding campaign to address an ongoing rainfall deficit and potential water scarcity. The operation will run across all four revenue divisions of the state over about 60 days, totaling roughly 200 flying hours. Seeding flights are planned to occur daily between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM and will target areas with dense cloud cover within an estimated 15-km radius of the seed sites. Administrative preparations are complete, with three special committees formally constituted to oversee governance, meteorological monitoring, and field operations. The effort is supported by scientists and experts from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), and the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A prior track record for cloud seeding in the state is cited, with an average historical success rate reported between 18% and 20%, while the current campaign aims for a 30% success rate. The initiative is framed as a response to a lack of sustained monsoon activity and is positioned to preempt water scarcity through artificial precipitation, contingent on real-time atmospheric conditions and convective moisture clouds. ## Why It Matters Officials describe cloud seeding as a tool to mitigate water scarcity risks amid irregular monsoon patterns. If the target success rate is achieved, it could validate the approach for Karnataka during dry spells and potentially influence how the state allocates resources for rainfall augmentation. ## Background Previous cloud seeding exercises in Karnataka were conducted on three occasions. The present plan follows a two-to-three day preparatory window post-briefing, with execution contingent on atmospheric conditions and the presence of suitable clouds. The operation is organized under a three-tier framework: a Monitoring Committee, a Technical Committee, and a Field Operation & Evaluation Committee. ## Key Facts - State: Karnataka, India - Budget: ₹27 crore - Scope: cloud seeding across four revenue divisions - Duration: about 60 days - Flying hours: approximately 200 - Operating window: daily 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Target radius for seed area: roughly 15 km - Optimal window: September for dense cloud cover - Past success rate: 18%–20% on earlier attempts - Target success rate: 30% for the current campaign - Committees: Monitoring, Technical, Field Operation & Evaluation - Technical ensemble: IISc, IIT, IMD scientists and experts - Key spokespersons: Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy / N Chaluvarayaswamy ## What Happens Next Initial technical assessments and formal committee notifications are underway, with cloud seeding operations and field evaluation expected to begin after these steps are completed. The program will be reviewed periodically as flights proceed and real-time atmospheric data guide flight routing. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/karnataka-cloud-seeding-27-crore-395xq Reported from: Multiple Sources