Drone-Based Cloud Seeding

India has started using drone-based cloud seeding for the first time to create artificial rain. This new technology uses drones combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to help produce rain and fight water shortages. The pilot project is happening at the Ramgarh Dam in Jaipur, Rajasthan, which has been dry for more than 20 years.

What is Cloud Seeding?

Cloud seeding is a method used to increase rainfall. It involves spraying tiny particles, such as sodium chloride (salt), into clouds. These particles act like seeds inside the clouds and help water vapor turn into raindrops.

Usually, cloud seeding was done using ground machines or airplanes. But now, India is using drone cloud seeding technology. This means drones fly high into the sky and release the particles directly into the clouds with the help of AI.

How Does Drone-Based Cloud Seeding Work?

1. Special Taiwan-made drones fly thousands of feet above the ground.

2. The drones spray sodium chloride into the clouds.

3. The particles help water vapor condense and form raindrops.

4. This process can cause rain and help fill reservoirs like the Ramgarh Dam.

This new method is called artificial rain by drones or AI-powered cloud seeding because the drones use AI to find the right clouds to spray.

Why Was Ramgarh Dam Chosen?

Ramgarh Dam is a large and historically important reservoir on the Banganga River near Jaipur. It was once a key water source for nearby wildlife and people. But the dam has been dry for 20 years and has not been full since 1981.

At first, Mansagar Dam near Jal Mahal was considered, but it was smaller and close to homes. So the project shifted to Ramgarh Dam, which is safer and more suitable for this experiment.

Who is Involved in This Project?

• The project is a joint effort between GenX AI, a tech company from India and the USA, and the Rajasthan Government.

• The Agriculture and Disaster Relief Minister, Kirodi Lal Meena, is leading the experiment.

• Weather experts, technology specialists, local villagers, and government officials are present to support and watch the project.

• Multiple departments like Agriculture, Meteorology, Water Resources, anthe d Pollution Control Board are working together.

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has allowed drone flights.

History of Cloud Seeding in India

India has been working on cloud seeding since the 1950s:

• In 1951, the first cloud seeding was done over the Western Ghats using ground machines.

• In 1952, chemicals were released using hydrogen balloons.

• From 1957 to 1966, experiments in northern India increased rainfall by about 20%.

• From the 1970s to the 1980s, cloud seeding over places like Tamil Nadu, Mumbai, and Baramati helped increase rain by nearly 24%.

However, these early attempts used older methods without drones or AI.

Why is This Project Important?

• This is the first time drone-based cloud seeding is being used in India, making it a modern and advanced approach.

• Using weather drones with AI increases the chances of creating rain more accurately.

• If successful, it will help fill the Ramgarh Dam and improve water supply for Jaipur’s people and farmers.

• It will also help protect the environment and support local wildlife.

• This project shows how India is adopting new rainmaking technology to fight drought and climate challenges.

What’s Next?

The project will run for about one month while data is collected and analyzed. If this pilot works well, similar drone rainmaking projects could be used in other drought-prone areas of India.

This will mark a big step for using drones for weather modification in India and could become a model for solving water problems using science and technology.

Summary for SSC Aspirants

• Drone-based cloud seeding is a new method of making rain using drones and AI.

• The Ramgarh Dam in Jaipur is the first place in India to try this technology.

• The project involves spraying salt particles into clouds to help rain form.

• It’s a joint effort between the government and private technology companies.

• This experiment builds on India’s long history of cloud seeding, but with better tools like AI drones and weather modification drones.

• Success could help improve water availability and support agriculture and wildlife.

Final Thoughts

The drone-based cloud seeding project in Rajasthan marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to combat drought and water scarcity. By combining advanced drone technology with artificial intelligence, this experiment aims to enhance the precision and effectiveness of artificial rainmaking.

The successful revival of the Ramgarh Dam could provide much-needed relief to the region’s water supply and support local agriculture and biodiversity. This initiative demonstrates India’s growing capability to adopt modern weather modification techniques used globally. If proven effective, drone cloud seeding technology could become a vital tool for managing water resources in drought-prone areas across the country.

Overall, this project represents a hopeful step toward innovative climate resilience solutions using science and technology.