Cloud seeding may be extended across Karnataka, says Satish Jarkiholi

Belagavi: Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi said the state govt is considering extending cloud-seeding operations to other parts of the state based on local requirements, following encouraging feedback from a pilot experiment in Haveri district.Addressing reporters here on Tuesday, Jarkiholi said Haveri reported good rainfall after the cloud-seeding exercise. “Based on the demand, we will request chief minister DK Shivakumar to consider conducting similar operations in other parts of the state,” he said.He noted that widespread rainfall over the past three to four days had dramatically changed the state’s water situation. “Until recently, there were fears of drought in several districts.

However, the rain during the first week of July has substantially eased concerns over drinking water scarcity. If monsoon continues like this, it will also benefit irrigation,” he added.No objection to RSS meetingResponding to queries about the three-day national meeting of the RSS, in Belagavi from July 10, Jarkiholi said the govt had no objection to its meetings. He said the district administration and police had made all necessary security arrangements, and the govt had extended the required cooperation. “How they conduct their event is entirely their decision,” the minister said.