Pune, 30th June 2026: With June is ending without significant monsoon rainfall, civic body is exploring the possibility of artificial rain, or cloud seeding, to improve water availability in the reservoirs supplying the city.
The proposal was discussed at an all-party meeting chaired by Mayor Manjusha Nagpure on Monday, as concerns over shrinking dam storage and the city's water security continue to grow.
During the meeting, civic leaders reviewed the city's water situation and the ongoing alternate-day water supply. Leader of the House Ganesh Bidkar and Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale suggested that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) explore cloud seeding over the catchment areas of dams if the monsoon remains weak.
Mayor Nagpure directed Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to prepare a detailed feasibility report examining where similar cloud seeding projects have been carried out in India and abroad, their success rates, the institutions capable of executing such operations, the estimated cost involved, and whether rainfall generated through cloud seeding could meaningfully improve storage levels in Pune's reservoirs.
The discussion comes as Pune faces increasing pressure on its water resources. The delayed monsoon has reduced inflows into the city's reservoirs, forcing the PMC to introduce alternate-day water supply over the past two weeks.
Despite the water cuts, reservoir levels have continued to decline. Civic officials estimate that the available water stock is sufficient for only about two months if substantial rainfall does not arrive soon, making it necessary to examine emergency measures.
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique in which substances such as silver iodide or salt particles are dispersed into moisture-bearing clouds to encourage rainfall. When weather conditions are favourable, the process can increase rainfall by around 5 to 20 per cent.
However, the technology depends entirely on the presence of suitable clouds and atmospheric conditions, meaning there is no guarantee that rainfall will occur.
While cloud seeding is being considered as an emergency option, officials acknowledged that it has both advantages and limitations.
It can enhance rainfall by around 5 to 20 per cent under favourable conditions.
Successful cloud seeding over dam catchment areas may improve inflows into reservoirs.
It can provide temporary relief during periods of water scarcity.
The process cannot generate rain without suitable cloud formation and atmospheric moisture.
Operations require specialised aircraft, radar systems, technical experts and chemicals, making them expensive.
Even successful cloud seeding cannot fill reservoirs on its own and should not be considered a permanent solution.
Officials emphasised that artificial rain can only serve as a supplementary measure. Sustainable solutions such as water conservation, groundwater recharge, watershed development and efficient water management will remain essential for securing Pune's long-term water needs.