Cloud seeding planned for dam

JATILUHUR, West Java: A state-owned company will carry out cloud seeding next week over the Citarum River basin area. The move was aimed to increase water levels in the Saguling, Cirata and Jatiluhur dams.

"Cloud seeding was also conducted recently in Central Java province," said Tukul Santoso, one of the directors at Perum Jasa Tirta II, Jatiluhur, the company that manages dams in West Java.

Jatiluhur Dam, the largest dam in West Java, was almost dry after the long dry season in West Java last year.

He said that the cloud seeding was conducted between the company and other institutions, namely the state electricity company PT PLN, the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) and the West Java provincial administration.

He said that recent rainfall had raised the water level at Jatiluhur dam to 98.46 meters as of Monday. But, the level was far below the normal level of 107 meters. "Noting the water level, cloud seeding is a must," he said.-- Antara