Bengaluru: Faced with consecutive drought over the past three years, the state government has decided to start cloud seeding from August first week till September last week.

Speaking to media persons here on Friday, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H.K. Patil said the state has decided to explore all possible scientific methods to put an end to this.

The tender process for the cloud seeding programme has been completed and the Rs 35.77 crore project has been awarded to Hoysala Projects Pvt. Ltd. The cloud seeding, that will be taken up for 300 hours over 60 days, will be done using three radars and two aircraft. The radars will be set up in Bengaluru, Surpur and Gadag. The aircraft will be used in Bengaluru and Hubballi.

“Even if there is rain, we will go ahead with cloud seeding in places that require more rainfall. We can expect rain within half-an-hour of the process. However, if this doesn’t work, we will take a decision on the next course of action. We are exploring all possibilities in hope of rain,” Patil said.

He added that experts from the United States of America will be part of the exercise. In this regard, the state government has sought permission from the Union Home Ministry. “The cloud seeding was successful in 2003 in the state. Later, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have followed Karnataka in cloud seeding. Around 60 countries have implemented cloud seeding. There is no need doubt on the rainfall during the cloud seeding process,’’ the minister said.