Haveri Launches Cloud Seeding As MLAs Join Hands To Tackle Rain Deficit
The operation, spearheaded by Ranebennur MLA Prakash Koliwad, was originally scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
Haveri: Haveri district on Monday launched cloud-seeding operations in an effort to induce rainfall, with the initiative taken up jointly by the district's six MLAs. Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi flagged off the operation at Hubballi Airport.
The operation, spearheaded by Ranebennur MLA Prakash Koliwad, was originally scheduled to begin on Tuesday. However, it was advanced by a day after scientists identified favourable rain-bearing clouds over parts of the district.
On the first day, cloud seeding was carried out twice each over Hanagal and Savanur taluks and once each over Haveri and Ranebennur. Operations could not be taken up in Byadgi, Rattihalli, Hirekerur and Shiggaon as suitable clouds were not available.
The aircraft, equipped with cloud-seeding equipment, took off from Hubballi Airport on Monday afternoon after obtaining the necessary approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the district administration. Scientists identified suitable cloud formations before the operation commenced.
Speaking after flagging off the aircraft, Jarkiholi praised the initiative taken by the legislators.
"Cloud seeding has begun in Haveri today. During a meeting in Haveri, Prakash Koliwad and the other MLAs said they wanted to take up the exercise, and within three days they have made it happen. I appreciate their efforts," he said.
The Minister said cloud seeding should become a government programme instead of remaining an individual initiative.
"I will urge the Chief Minister to take it up on priority. It should be expanded across the state. At present it is not a government programme. Earlier, we had undertaken it in Belagavi through private initiative. Prakash Koliwad had also carried it out in Haveri. Now again the MLAs of Haveri have taken it up. I will request the Chief Minister to make it a government programme," he said.
Koliwad said the operation would continue for the next three days, subject to weather conditions and scientific advice. He said operating the aircraft costs around Rs 15 lakh an hour, with the expenditure being shared by the district's MLAs.
All the six MLAs are from the Congress party.