Belgaum Sugars, owned by Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, is set to conduct cloud seeding operations in Belagavi district on Friday. Mr. Jarkiholi emphasized that this initiative is part of the company’s philanthropic efforts and does not entail any government assistance. He expressed hope that this endeavor would benefit farmers in the drought-affected district.
A significant portion of the district, comprising 12 out of 14 taluks, has been declared drought-hit by the State government. Mr. Jarkiholi cited successful cloud seeding experiments in districts like Haveri, which have effectively induced rainfall.
The cloud seeding flight, operated by Hyderabad-based Kyathi Climate Modification Consultants, will carry out two rounds of cloud seeding over the district on the same day: first at 1 p.m. and then at 4 p.m. The flight, registered as VT-KCM, will be under the command of Captain Virendra Singh and Captain Adarsha Pandey.
The flight is scheduled to depart from Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad in the morning, reaching Belagavi Airport in Sambra by 11.30 a.m. The operation is expected to conclude by evening, after which the flight will return to Hyderabad.
Kyathi Climate Modification Consultants has obtained the necessary approvals from the Director-General of Civil Aviation. The company has also requested local airport authorities to prioritize the flight’s operations. “We will be making this request to them,” stated the Minister.
