Govt to take decision on Cloud Seeding' after discussion with Finance Department: DCM DK Shivakumar
Belagavi, Dec 8: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said his government was open to considering the proposal for cloud seeding to trigger rains, and that a decision would be taken after discussions with the Finance department.
The Karnataka government has declared 223 out of the total 236 taluks as drought-hit.
Shivakumar was responding to Ranebennur Congress MLA Prakash Koliwad, who had requested the government to take up cloud seeding, during the Zero Hour in the assembly.
"Cloud seeding has been done in other states. It was experimented in our state too in the past. I am told that cloud seeding efforts in the constituency of our legislator Prakash have yielded good results. Our government is also open to take up..." he said.
Further, noting that procedural aspects such as tender and cost need to be factored in for the exercise, he said, "The cost of cloud seeding is said to be around Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore, I will discuss it with Finance department and we will take a decision."
Koliwad said, "I have spoken to weathermen and scientists and they say that the next few days are good for cloud seeding as it would be cloudy. It is an opportune time to take up cloud seeding and the government should consider it positively at the earliest."
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CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal: Official
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.
The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.
The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.
This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.
"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.
The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.
The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.
