India to Increase Doppler Radar Count to 126 by 2026 as Government Enhances Weather Monitoring
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Synopsis
India plans to boost its Doppler Weather Radar network from 37 to 126 radars by 2026. Key locations include Bengaluru and Guwahati. This expansion aims to enhance weather forecasting accuracy and disaster preparedness across the nation.
Key Takeaways
- Expansion of Doppler Weather Radar network to 126 by 2026.
- New installations in critical regions like Bengaluru and Guwahati.
- Focus on modernizing meteorological systems in India.
- Improvement of weather forecasting infrastructure in Delhi.
- Emphasis on real-time, impact-based forecasting.
New Delhi, April 26 (NationPress) The Doppler Weather Radar network is projected to expand from the existing 37 radars to 73 by 2025-26, ultimately reaching 126 by 2026, according to government announcements.
The new radars are planned for installation in critical areas, including Bengaluru, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Guwahati, and Port Blair, among others.
This development was revealed during a high-level meeting of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other key ministries, led by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, aimed at assessing India’s weather and disaster preparedness while establishing a roadmap for precise forecasting.
The Minister urged the acceleration of Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) coverage expansion and the modernization of meteorological systems nationwide.
Currently, Delhi operates 18 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS). During the meeting, the Minister instructed officials to hasten the installation of 50 more systems, with a long-term vision of reaching 100 AWS.
This initiative seeks to align Delhi’s weather forecasting capabilities with global standards. These automated systems are engineered to provide highly accurate, specific, and timely forecasts, greatly improving the city’s ability to track and adapt to fluctuating weather conditions.
Given the increasing incidence of extreme weather events, Dr. Singh highlighted the pressing need for real-time, impact-driven forecasting to mitigate damage and protect lives.
“No weather hazard should remain undetected or unpredicted,” the Minister insisted, reaffirming the government’s commitment to developing a resilient early warning system that serves every region of the country.
The Minister received updates on the selection of radar sites and the ongoing progress of “Mission Mausam,” launched by PM Narendra Modi, which aims to transform India’s weather monitoring framework. This initiative encompasses enhanced satellite meteorology systems, refined numerical prediction models, and a strengthened radar-based forecasting approach.
“The capability to monitor extreme weather events with greater accuracy will not only enhance disaster management efforts but will also have direct benefits for farmers, fishermen, aviation, and various other sectors,” Dr. Singh remarked during the meeting.
