IMD to install weather radars in Uttarakhand

Doppler radars are capable of predicting severe thunderstorms and issuing warning

After the devastating mid-June floods last year, the Centre has decided to set up Doppler radars and other warning weather equipments in Uttarakhand for accurate forecast.

The Centre has already approved Rs 116 crore for installing the latest weather system in the state, where the mid-June deluge claimed over 5,000 lives and rendered hundreds of others homeless.

Top officials of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the state government discussed the issue at a meeting.

The IMD Director-General L S Rathore said his department would set up three Doppler radars in the state which would help in accurately forecasting weather in specific regions.

Besides, 75 rain-gauge meters, five micro rain radars, four compact radars, 75 weather stations and helicopter weather support system would also be installed in the flood-hit state.

Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar told the IMD officials all the places should be identified immediately in the state where such weather equipments were to be installed. Kumar sought the cooperation of the Met department in this regard. Doppler radars are capable of predicting severe thunderstorms ,issuing warning and generating accurate data on wind changes and rain clouds.

The controversy had erupted after the June deluge, with the then chief minister Vijay Bahuguna asserting that no  warning was given by the Met department. The Met department said it had sent a warning to the government on heavy rains.