Cloud Seeding and Its Implementation in India

Cloud Seeding and Its Implementation in India

What is Cloud Seeding?

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique aimed at artificially enhancing precipitation. The process involves dispersing specific substances into clouds to stimulate raindrop formation.

How Does Cloud Seeding Work?

Clouds contain water vapor, but precipitation occurs only when droplets grow large enough to fall. Cloud seeding introduces materials that accelerate this process, acting as nuclei for water droplets to form and coalesce.

The three main methods of cloud seeding are:

1. Static Seeding: Uses silver iodide (AgI) to encourage ice crystal formation, which leads to snow or rain.
2. Dynamic Seeding: Involves increasing vertical air currents within clouds, enhancing their ability to produce rain.
3. Hygroscopic Seeding: Uses salt particles (NaCl, KCl) to attract moisture, increasing the size of droplets to encourage rainfall.

Chemicals Used in Cloud Seeding

These substances are dispersed using aircraft, drones, or ground-based generators depending on cloud availability and type.

Why is Cloud Seeding Needed?

1. Mitigating Drought and Water Shortages
   • India has 70% agriculture dependence on monsoons, making it vulnerable to rainfall variations.
   • Severe droughts in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan cause crop failures and drinking water shortages.
2. Enhancing Agricultural Productivity
   • Rain-dependent crops like paddy, wheat, and pulses suffer without adequate rainfall.
   • Cloud seeding ensures consistent water availability for irrigation, reducing the risk of food shortages.
3. Restoring Groundwater Levels
   • Over-extraction of groundwater has led to depleting water tables in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu.
   • Artificial rainfall can replenish reservoirs, lakes, and underground aquifers.
4. Addressing Urban Water Supply Issues
   • Cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi face drinking water crises during summer months.
   • Cloud seeding provides a temporary but effective solution for increasing water reserves.
5. Reducing Air Pollution
   • Cloud seeding has been tested in Delhi to wash away air pollutants and control smog.
   • However, experts debate its long-term effectiveness in pollution control.
6. Boosting Hydropower Generation
   • Hydroelectric plants in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Northeast India rely on consistent river flow.
   • Induced rainfall can stabilize hydropower production during low rainfall periods.

Types of Cloud Seeding Operations in India

Cloud seeding techniques are tailored to regional climate conditions:

Cloud Seeding in India: Experimental Projects in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan

Cloud seeding has been actively explored in India, with state-funded projects targeting drought-prone regions.

1. Maharashtra: Cloud Seeding for Drought Relief

   Historical Background

   • Maharashtra has conducted multiple cloud-seeding trials since 2003, focusing on Vidarbha and Marathwada, regions with chronic water shortages.
   • The state faced major droughts in 2012, 2015, and 2018, leading to large-scale cloud-seeding projects.

   Recent Initiatives

   • Maharashtra collaborated with IITM Pune and ISRO to study weather modification.
   • A ₹30 crore project (2018) focused on increasing rainfall in Marathwada and Vidarbha.
   • 2025 expansion plans include:
     • AI-based weather monitoring for better cloud identification.
     • Satellite-assisted tracking for accurate timing of seeding.
2. Karnataka: Innovative Approaches in Artificial Rainfall

   Project Varshadhari (2017–2019)

   • Karnataka launched Project Varshadhari, investing ₹91 crore to address water scarcity in Bengaluru, Kolar, and Chikkaballapur.
   • Aircraft-based seeding missions were carried out between June and September.

   New Developments (2025 Update)

   • Karnataka plans to increase cloud-seeding frequency with:
     • Drone-assisted cloud seeding for precision targeting.
     • AI-driven climate modeling to predict rain-enhancing cloud conditions.
3. Rajasthan: Addressing Water Scarcity in Arid Regions

   Previous Trials

   • Rajasthan, being a desert state, faces severe water shortages and has conducted limited cloud-seeding trials in the past.

   Recent Innovations (2025 Update)

   • Rajasthan is testing nanoparticle-based seeding materials to improve rainfall efficiency.
   • Public-private partnerships (PPP) are being explored for funding large-scale experiments.

Challenges and Criticism of Cloud Seeding

1. Limited Effectiveness
   • Cloud seeding cannot create clouds but enhances existing ones with sufficient moisture.
   • Success rates vary (10-30%) depending on weather conditions.
2. Environmental Concerns
   • Some researchers fear long-term silver iodide accumulation could affect ecosystems.
   • However, studies show AgI is used in low concentrations, posing minimal toxicity risks.
3. Cost Factor
   • Cloud seeding costs ₹2-5 crore per operation, making it financially unsustainable without government support.
   • Alternative methods like desalination and groundwater recharge may be more cost-effective in the long run.
4. Geopolitical and Ethical Issues
   • Some experts worry about weather manipulation conflicts where excessive rainfall in one area could reduce rainfall elsewhere.
   • International guidelines are still being developed to regulate artificial weather modification.

Future Prospects and Innovations in Cloud Seeding

With advancements in AI, machine learning, and drone technology, cloud seeding is evolving into a more reliable technique:

Cloud seeding remains a promising but experimental solution to India’s water crisis. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan continue to test artificial rainfall technology with mixed success. Future improvements in weather prediction, AI, and eco-friendly seeding materials could make cloud seeding a more viable option in drought management.

For Further Reading:

• IITM Pune Report on Cloud Seeding
• Cloud Seeding Overview - Earth.org