From correspondents in Uttar Pradesh, India, 11:30 PM IST

The Uttar Pradesh government has planned to counter the long-drawn drought in Bundelkhand region with artificial rain.

The government has roped in a Russian firm, Magnetic Technologies, for the purpose, officials said.

'The company has already submitted a scientific presentation to us. We have referred it to the state chief secretary to take a final decision,' Jhansi divisional commissioner R.N. Tripathi told IANS on phone.

He said a high-level team of the government was busy studying the feasibility of the presentation submitted by the Russain firm.

'The artificial rain project will only be approved after considering its effects on the environment and economic viability,' Tripathi said. Officials had already started soil-testing in the region.

It is for the first time such a project has been planned in this state. If all approvals are received in due time, Bundelkhand would receive the artificial downpour from July 17, the officials said.

The state agriculture department has been made the nodal agency to monitor the project. The officials have already started conserving the rainwater in the surrounding areas to use for the artificial rain.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)