40 pc automatic weather stations not functioning: Centre

Over 45 per cent of Automatic Weather Stations (AWSs) and nearly 60 per cent of Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) are non-functional due to delay in procurement of spare parts, the government today said in the Lok Sabha.
In a written response to a question, Y S Chowdary, Minister of State in Ministry of Earth Sciences, said there are 682 AWSs of which only 364 are functional while of the 1350 ARGs, only 563 are operational.
"Automated observing systems are largerly non-functional on account of delay in procurement and supply of spares, sensors and accesories.
"However, efforts are made to expedite the procurement process but due to certain unforseen reasons beyond control, supply of shares and accessories get delayed at time," Chowdary said.

Responding to another question, Chowdary said, there are chances of the occurence of El Nino after August.
El Nino is a phenomenon associated with warming of the Pacific Ocean's waters that often has an impact on the Indian monsoon.