Balasore still awaits doppler radar system for weather updates; IMD DG says completion likely by 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD)’s plan to install a Doppler weather radar (DWR) to predict extreme weather events has been hanging balance for the last five years. Seeking to further strengthen its weather forecast system, the IMD had announced that it will cover Chandipur under a sophisticated radar network in 2019.

Five years have passed by, but Balasore still waits for its radar system, sparking outrage among the locals.

According to sources, a three-storied building has been constructed, a short distance from Chandipur Beach. The government spent a whopping Rs 3.5 crore to construct the building. The Doppler weather radar was supposed to be installed over the building to give weather updates for Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar.

However, the apathy of officials concerned has left the project incomplete for almost five years now. 

“The Doppler radar system would have helped in terms of weather updates. It would have helped locals to be ready for natural disasters like thunderstorms,  rainfall, and others. The three-storey building in Chandipur was built with a purpose. However, the apathy of officials concerned has left it incomplete for years now,” said Gangadhar Rout, a Balasore resident. 

Another resident Abhiram Barik said, “This is so sad to say that the project has been lying incomplete for almost five years now. Unfortunately, a simple Doppler radar system has not been installed. I request Mohan Majhi government to look into our demands for early installation.”

When contacted, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, “We have already applied for the supply order for both Balasore and Sambalpur. There are chances of the radar system being installed by 2025.”