JOIN US The ongoing cloud seeding operation is expected to increase rainfall in the region by 18 to 20 per cent, according to Agni Aviation chief executive officer (CEO) captain Arvind Sharma.
Addressing a media conference here on Saturday, he said the month-long cloud seeding project termed ‘Project Varuna’ will continue until November 15. He claimed that ‘good clouds’ during the past two days had helped increase the water-level at KRS Dam by 0.5 feet.
The cloud seeding technology targets suitable clouds to improve their efficiency and thus leading to enhanced precipitation. At present, Agni Aviation is undertaking cloud seeding in both upstream and downstream of Cauvery, Kabini and Hemavathi river catchment areas.
Cloud seeding in upstream areas will improve water-levels at KRS Dam and provide for drinking water for cities of Mysore, Bangalore and Mandya. Meanwhile, cloud seeding in downstream areas will help improve the quantity of water released into Tamil Nadu, which is measured at measuring gauge by the Central Water Commission at Biligundlu.
Captain Sharma said cloud seeding is targeted on clouds with an area of more than 1.5 kilometre. Explaining that cloud seeding enhances precipitation between the range of 5 to 25 per cent, he said using multiple aircrafts would have helped improve rainfall in the region. At present, one Piper Cheyenne aircraft is undertaking cloud seeding in catchment areas of Cauvery, Hemavathi and Kabini.
Maintaining that rainfall induced by cloud seeding is safe, he said that the best time to implement the operation is between June to October during the South-West monsoon. However, he stressed the need for combining water enhancement techniques with water management.