India to Boost Weather Preparedness with 126 Doppler Radars by 2026

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, chaired a high-level meeting to review India’s weather and disaster preparedness. The review focused on the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and key ministries, unveiling an advanced roadmap for more accurate forecasting.

Currently, Delhi operates eighteen Automatic Weather Stations (AWS). The Minister directed officials to expedite the installation of fifty more, aiming to scale up to one hundred AWS to match global standards. These systems will enhance the city's ability to deliver precise and timely forecasts.

Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the need for real-time, impact-based forecasting to minimise damage and save lives. The Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network is set to expand from thirty-seven to seventy-three radars by 2025-26 and will reach one hundred twenty-six radars by 2026. New installations are planned for Bengaluru, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Guwahati and Port Blair, among other regions.

The review also discussed the progress of the "Mission Mausam" initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to revolutionise India's weather monitoring with improved satellite systems and numerical prediction models. Ministries were urged to fast-track financial approvals to ensure timely project execution.

Source: Press Information Bureau Delhi