Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad   

Cloud-seeding experiment starts on low key

By Our Special Correspondent

Hyderabad Sept. 18. Andhra Pradesh's maiden cloud-seeding operations for artificial rain commenced yesterday in the Hindupur area of Anantapur district, devoid of any fanfare or a formal function as planned earlier.

There was an immediate gain of 34 mm of rainfall, which was reported in Lepakshi area after the first sortie. The plane, which was used for the first flight, was meant for such operations in Karnataka where the experiment has been conducted earlier. As there was an inordinate delay in the arrival of the plane for Andhra Pradesh, the contract firm, Weather Modification Inc. of US, deployed the Karnataka aircraft for the day. For that, it was also prompted by the Irrigation Department, which was in a hurry in view of the mounting pressure due to local compulsions and the time running out for the Chief Minister's commitment made a month ago.

Fortunately, the firm's plane for Andhra Pradesh arrived at Mumbai airport this morning and was awaiting customs clearance. The Chief Engineer for Minor Irrigation, K. Bhagyatha Reddy, who is heading the mission, told The Hindu here this evening that it would be at Bangalore airport by tomorrow morning for commencing the regular operation from that time itself or from Saturday. The Government is likely to organise a function at Puttaparthi airport marking the inauguration with participation by officials and non-officials of the district.

An interesting aspect of the episode so far is that the State Government has served a notice on the Weather Modification Inc. demanding penalty of Rs 17,000 for each day of operational delay. According to the provisions of the agreement signed by the Government with the company, it was to commence the operations within 14 days of the agreement-signing and failing which, it would have to pay Rs 17,000 per day. The 14-day deadline ended on September 15, Mr Reddy said.

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