Maharashtra government mulls use of cloud seeding technology for artificial rains

MUMBAI: With an aim to generate artificial rainfall in dry parts of the state, Maharashtra Government is mulling to use cloud seeding technology.

In this technology, a rocket propelled by sugar is fired at the clouds to generate rains.

State relief and rehabilitation minister Eknath Khadse said they have been approached by specialists in the field of cloud seeding who claim to generate rainfall using sugar propelled rockets.

"We have asked them (specialists) to give us a demonstration either at Jalgaon, some villages of Viadarbha or Marathwada region, which are dry areas. If the trial is successful, the government is open to trying it," Khadse told PTI.

Director of International School of Professional Studies (ISPS) Trustee Abdul Rehman Vanoo, who recently gave a presentation to Khadse, said the rocket technology has been tested in areas like Sindhudurg and Sangli, and can hit target in a range of 45 kms from the ground.

"In the technology, sugar acts as a propeller and Silver Iodine, which is at the tip of the rocket, is burst in the clouds according to our calculations. This causes a chemical reaction in clouds which causes rain within 40- 60 minutes," Vanoo said.

"Silver Iodine of 47 per cent purity is required in the process which is to be imported from Argentina. For its import, we need an 'End User Certificate' from the state government. Once we get the certificate, we will be ready to import iodine and generate artificial rainfall," he added.

Vanoo claimed that according to the latest technology available with them, a cloud can be shifted to a distance of 80 kms from its original position in order to get rainfall in a parched area.