Karnataka contemplates using cloud seeding to tackle drought

"In the light of a rain deficit of 65 per cent in the state, we are contemplating to use weather modification techniques such as cloud seeding to tackle drought in some parts of the state," he told reporters here.

He said state Chief Secretary S V Ranganath and meteorological experts would discuss in the next three days possibilities of using cloud seeding and identify areas where it could be used.

In a week's time, the government would take a decision on the issue, Gowda added.

As many as 686 villages across the state were facing drinking water problem and the government had taken adequate steps to supply water through tankers, he said.

The government would very soon declare two more taluks as drought-hit, taking the total to 125 taluks.