According to senior government official, last year, the government started the tender floating process for cloud seeding quite late.
The Maharashtra government has decided to conduct an early cloud seeding exercise this year so that this exercise can yield desirable results. According to senior government official, last year, the government started the tender floating process for cloud seeding quite late. "The best period for the cloud seeding is July where the maximum rain clouds can be targeted. Last year, we spent almost Rs27 crore and received 1,381 mm rainfall. We cannot authenticate that the rains were due to cloud seeding process only. However, this technology is proven and widely used," the official added on condition of anonymity.
He said, last year, Bangalore-based Khyati Systems was hired for the cloud-seeding project. "The cloud seeding was carried out in the parched land of Marathwada and Nashik region. The operation was carried out 113 hours from which 100 hours were given free by this firm. We started the exercise quite late therefore, it did not have much impact," he added.
Another official from the state disaster management department said that this year they have started the tendering process in May. "But the red tapism has delayed the process. Once the firm is chosen, they have to seek permission from the foreign ministry, home department, director general of civil aviation (DGCA) etc. and it takes more than 30-35 days. We are running short of tim, and our minister's alleged involvement in the purported call of Dawood Ibrahim controversy has been also affecting the work. The minister's more energy is wasted in defending himself rather than taking the speedy decisions of his departments," the official added.
"Now, the delay will again have an adverse effect on the result. We are in opinion that rather than going ahead, the government should drop this idea of the cloud seeding at this juncture," said another official from the disaster management department.
He also said that if the government is determined to do, then this cloud seeding exercise should be carried out in the catchment area. "The catchment areas are the main areas to get water and subsequently filling the dams. Once the dams are filled, it will resolve the drinking water issue," he added.
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