After prediction of a deficient rainfall by the Indian Meteorological Department, the state relief and rehabilitation minister Eknath Khadse has announced a contingency plan to cope with water shortage.

According to the revised rainfall forecast, the IMD has predicted deficiency of rainfall from 93 per cent to 88 per cent. Mr Khadse thus announced in Mantralaya on Tuesday that cloud seeding would be introduced on a trial basis. The method attempts to change the amount of rainfall by dispersing substances into the air that serve as cloud condensation. It will be used in the state for the first time.

“In the countries where the method was used the results were fruitful and we are expecting the same for the state this monsoon,” said Mr Khadse.

The site where the method will be introduced is to be decided by the IMD, but as of now drought-hit areas from Vidharbha, Marathwada and Khandesh would be chosen for the trial of the project.The total cost of the project is being estimated to be Rs 10 crore and advertisements for the same have already been released. The tenders are to be floated by the government soon.Mr Khadse also said that the project would be continued based on its success as this would help the government save money that is to be given for crop loss, apart from helping the farmers in saving their crops.

According to K.H. Govindraj, secretary, relief and rehabilitation department, the state government has floated tenders for cloud seeding, which will be kept ready if the monsoon fails or is below the required levels.“According to the IMD prediction, rainfall will be more or less normal. But if the monsoon fails, we need to have a contingency plan ready to make water available. Thus, we are not only looking at domestic, but also international agencies that can help us with cloud seeding,” Govindraj said.Asked to elaborate on the costs, he said, “The cost may run into a few crores, but money is not the only factor. The state anyway had to announce a package of Rs 4,000 crore to help distressed farmers...The costs involved in inducing artificial rains will be much less compared to this.”

Source - http://www.asianage.com/