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Pune Plans Cloud Seeding Pilot as Dam Levels Fall

The city has ordered a technical and cost feasibility report to test whether artificial rain can boost reservoir storage.

Overview

  • City leaders have directed the civic administration to prepare a detailed feasibility report that examines cloud seeding's technical steps, likely effectiveness, costs and lessons from other states.
  • The Pune Municipal Corporation put alternate-day water supply in place starting June 15 as reservoir stocks at Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon and Temghar dropped.
  • Local reports estimate a pilot cloud-seeding project could cost about ₹6 crore and that officials have discussed seeking Corporate Social Responsibility funds to pay for it.
  • The India Meteorological Department's revised June–September forecast of roughly 90–95% of normal rainfall leaves room for a drier outcome, which officials say increases the need to explore technical options.
  • The city faces a structural shortfall because annual demand of about 21.03 TMC exceeds the state-sanctioned supply of 16.36 TMC, which has raised reliance on private tankers even as falling groundwater limits that option.