Cloud Seeding in Karnataka: Six Haveri MLAs Fund Artificial Rain Project

Political Bureau, Bangalore Mail | HUBBALLI

An innovative, self-funded meteorological initiative has taken flight in North Karnataka to combat a weak monsoon season. Stepping up to support struggling local farmers, six Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Haveri district have joined hands to personally finance a critical cloud-seeding project to trigger artificial rain.

Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi officially launched the exercise from the Hubballi Airport. The aerial operation aims to bring immediate relief to parched agricultural belts across multiple taluks.

MLAs Take the Initiative to Save Crops

The cloud-seeding operation is spearheaded by Ranebennur MLA Prakash Koliwad, who serves as the chief mentor at Kyathi Climate Modification Consultants LLP (KCMC)—the technical firm executing the process.

Faced with a severe deficiency in seasonal rainfall, the group of six lawmakers pooled together their resources to fund the exercise, which is priced at ₹15 lakh per flight hour. The specialized aircraft commissioned for the operation has secured all necessary clearances from the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and will remain stationed at Hubballi Airport until the end of July.

Over the coming days, targeted cloud seeding will take place across several rain-deficient taluks in the region, including:

• Ranebennur

• Haveri

• Hirekerur

• Rattihalli

• Hangal

• Shiggaon

• Savanur

Push for State-Wide Cloud Seeding in Karnataka

Speaking to media personnel during the launch, Minister Satish Jarkiholi praised the proactive approach of the Haveri legislators. He highlighted that because multiple districts across North Karnataka are facing below-average rainfall, he plans to formally urge Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to roll out a government-backed cloud-seeding program across the broader region.

Senior leader and MLA H.K. Patil echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the deployment of advanced technology is essential given the drought-like situation.

“We are highly confident that this scientific intervention will yield positive results and mitigate the hardships faced by our farmers,” Patil stated. He recalled that previous state-driven cloud-seeding efforts in 2001 and 2017 were successful in bringing respite. “The state government should closely assess the rain deficiency and immediately resort to wider cloud-seeding measures.”

Regional Benefits and Political Support

Though the project is primarily funded by Haveri district representatives, neighboring regions are also expected to reap the rewards. Navalgund MLA N.H. Konaraddi pointed out that the atmospheric alterations from cloud seeding in Haveri are highly likely to benefit Dharwad district as well. Leaders plan to submit an official appeal to the Chief Minister to formally include Dharwad under state-sponsored rainmaking efforts.

The launch event at Hubballi Airport saw strong political solidarity, with prominent leaders in attendance, including MLAs Rudrappa Lamani and Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, MLC F.H. Jakkappanavar, and HDUDA Chairman Shakeer Sanadi.

As the specialized aircraft tracks cloud formations over North Karnataka, local farming communities await the desperately needed downpour with renewed hope.