Country's First Drone-Based Cloud Seeding Experiment | 13 Aug 2025
Why in News?
The state agriculture department of Rajasthan launched the first-ever drone-based cloud seeding experiment to address the water crisis in the region and revive the Ramgarh Lake.
Key Points
- Objective: The experiment aims to trigger rainfall by dispersing specialized chemicals into rain clouds, potentially benefiting agricultural activities in the region.
- This 60-day pilot project aims to promote water droplet formation in clouds to tackle the area's water shortage, as part of a larger, ongoing effort to address regional water scarcity.
- Technology Used: The cloud seeding process is powered by an AI-driven platform called Hydro Trace, which uses real-time data, satellite imaging, and sensor networks to target the right clouds at the right time accurately.
- Approvals: The technology received approvals from multiple bodies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the India Meteorological Department, district authorities, and the agriculture department.
Cloud Seeding
- It is a weather modification technique that enhances precipitation by dispersing chemicals like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice into clouds, serving as nuclei for water droplet formation, leading to rainfall.
- It can help combat air pollution, especially during periods of high Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.
- Cloud seeding may increase water availability and result in economic, environmental, and human health benefits.
