India’s First Drone-AI Powered Artificial Rain Experiment Begins in Jaipur — Initiative to Revive Ramgarh Dam

Why in news ?

• India has started adopting advanced technologies to tackle water scarcity and promote agricultural and environmental conservation.
• As part of this effort, the country’s first drone-AI powered cloud seeding (artificial rain) experiment has been launched at Ramgarh Dam in Jaipur.
• This initiative is considered crucial for the revival of water resources and enhancing climate resilience.
• It opens new possibilities to increase rainfall in drought-prone areas and reduce water crises.

Project Details and Partnerships

• This pilot project is being run collaboratively by the Rajasthan government and the India-US tech company Genex AI.
• The experiment uses drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to perform targeted cloud seeding by dispersing chemicals into specific clouds to induce rainfall.
• The launch was attended by Agriculture and Disaster Relief Minister Kirodi Lal Meena and MLA Mahendra Pal Meena, along with participation from local villagers.

Why Was Ramgarh Dam Chosen ?

• Ramgarh Dam, which has served as a reservoir for 129 years, has been dry for the last 20 years and has never filled to full capacity since 1981.
• Reviving this dam will improve Jaipur’s drinking water supply and benefit the local ecosystem and agriculture.
• Initially, Mansagar Dam was considered, but due to its smaller size and proximity to the city, Ramgarh Dam was selected instead.

Historical Significance of Ramgarh Dam

• The foundation was laid in 1897 by Maharaja Madho Singh II.
• Construction was completed in 1903.
• In 1931, Viceroy Lord Irwin launched Rajputana’s first drinking water scheme from here.
• The dam hosted the rowing events of the 1982 Asian Games.
• It has also been the main water source for the Jamwaramgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

How Does Drone-AI Cloud Seeding Technology Work ?

• Cloud seeding involves spraying chemicals like sodium chloride into clouds, which act as condensation nuclei, turning water vapor into raindrops.
• In this experiment, drones manufactured in Taiwan will fly thousands of feet high and disperse sodium chloride into targeted clouds, triggering rainfall and raising the dam’s water level.
• This technology is already in use in countries such as the USA, Russia, and several European nations to reduce drought.

Multi-Department Coordination

• The project involves coordination between the Agriculture Department, Meteorological Department, Water Resources and Irrigation Department, Pollution Control Board, and others.
• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted permissions for drone flights. Data collected from the experiment will be analyzed for one month.

Previous Cloud Seeding Attempts in Rajasthan

• Earlier attempts were made at the Ghosunda Dam in Chittorgarh but failed.
• Improved AI and drone technology now increases the chances of success.

History of Cloud Seeding in India

• 1951: First ground-based cloud seeding experiment in the Western Ghats.
• 1952: Chemical dispersion using hydrogen-filled balloons.
• 1957–66: Several experiments including a 20% increase in rainfall.
• 1973–86: Successful rainfall enhancement in various regions.

Importance of the Jaipur Experiment

• This is the first effort in India to use modern drone and AI-based technology, improving precision and effectiveness.
• Reviving Ramgarh Dam will reduce water scarcity, improve drinking water supply, and benefit agriculture.
• The project strengthens India’s climate resilience and drought management capabilities.
• If successful, the model can be replicated in other drought-affected areas.