Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, May 23: Concerned by the prediction of deficient monsoon season this time, the department of agriculture has been preparing to resort to cloud seeding in an effort to induce rainfall. At the same time, muzarai department has been thinking of appeasing the divine through 'Parjanya Homa' oblations in all the 33,559 muzarai temples in the state, as it believes that the said homa will be able to please the gods and convince them to grant the boon of copious rainfall.

Muzarai minister, P T Parameshwar Naik, has asked commissioner in the department to furnish him the steps needed to be taken to see that these homas are held and also the estimated expenditure involved in the move. The department sources said that in all likelihood, date of the oblation and worship would be fixed and order would be issued in this connection once the Lok Sabha election code of conduct comes to an end.

There is no immediate measure the government can initiate to urgently address the problem of drying up of ponds and water sources, declining underground water table etc. Even if borewells are dug, they are most likely to fail. Therefore, it has been decided to seek the divine interference. The temples will be asked to continue to offer daily special pujas till the rainy season begins.

The minister, Parameshwar Naik, justified his move by pointing out that this kind of oblations had been held during the period S M Krishna was the chief minister. He said that this Puja has been conceived, taking into account the drought situation prevailing everywhere in the state.