Govt to Install 10 Doppler Radars in Northeast and Himachal for Enhanced Weather Forecasting

Indian government has initiated the purchase and installation of ten X-Band Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) as a major step toward improving weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. These advanced radars are set to be deployed across key locations in the Northeastern states of India and the Lahaul & Spiti District in Himachal Pradesh, as announced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, during a session in the Rajya Sabha on August 8, 2024.

Dr. Singh detailed the strategic locations where the radars will be installed, including Guwahati, Dhubri, Jorhat, Tezpur, and Silchar in Assam; Aizawl in Mizoram; Dimapur in Nagaland; Imphal in Manipur; and Mandala Top and Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh. The installation of these radars is expected to significantly enhance the region's capability to monitor and respond to weather-related events, thereby improving the overall accuracy of weather predictions.

Additionally, the minister highlighted the successful procurement of an X-Band DWR for the Lahaul & Spiti District in Himachal Pradesh, a region particularly vulnerable to sudden and severe weather changes. This installation is seen as a crucial step in strengthening weather forecasting in the Himalayan region, which often experiences unpredictable and extreme weather conditions.

The deployment of these radars forms part of a broader initiative by the Government of India to strengthen the country's meteorological infrastructure. These radars are expected to play a crucial role in disaster management, potentially saving lives and minimizing property damage during extreme weather events by enabling more precise and timely weather predictions.

Dr. Singh highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and providing accurate weather information to citizens, thereby contributing to the overall safety and resilience of the nation.