GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1207
TO BE ANSWERED ON 4-8-2005

CLOUD SEEDING

1207. SHRI R.K. ANAND:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

a. whether it is a fact that US- based Weather Modification Inc. had done the cloud seeding in the past two years in Maharashtra;

b. if so, the details thereof; and

c. whether it is effective and whether there is any Government project to develop cloud seeding in India?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) Yes, Sir. As informed by the Government of Maharashtra, Cloud seeding operations were conducted during the years 2003 and 2004 through U.S. based Weather Modification Inc.

(b) In the year 2003, cloud seeding operations were conducted for a period of 120 days starting from 20th September, 2003. The expenditure incurred was Rs.8 crores. During 2004, the duration of seeding operation was 120 days starting from 20th June 2004. The expenditure incurred was 16 crores, as it was more extensive.

(c ) Since the cloud seeding operations were not carried out in a manner which would enable comparison between rainfall in cloud seeded and non-seeded areas, it is not possible to comment on the effectiveness or otherwise of this operation. This Department has no project to develop cloud seeding at present.