Odisha to enhance weather prediction with new Doppler radars at 3 more places

Odisha is all set to receive three more additional Doppler radars, an initiative aimed at improving weather forecasting and enhancing disaster preparedness. This was announced by Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday.

The radars are to be installed in Bhubaneswar, Balasore and Sambalpur in the coming days, marking a significant upgrade in the State’s meteorological capabilities. 

These installations are expected to provide critical data, enabling more precise predictions of severe weather events such as cyclones and heavy rainfall. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, both vulnerable to urban flooding, stand to benefit greatly from the enhanced accuracy of weather predictions. With better forecasts, these cities can potentially mitigate the impact of climatic events and reduce the risk of loss and damage.

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In addition to the radar installations, a dedicated research centre focusing on lightning will be established in Balasore. This centre aims to offer deeper insights into lightning patterns and phenomena, contributing to improved safety measures and strategies.

This initiative underlines Odisha’s commitment to leveraging technological advances for better weather management and disaster risk reduction.

“After setting up the radar, forecast about severe weather conditions for the next three hours could be predicted accurately. We are also going to set up a research centre focusing on lightning in Balasore. The process for this is currently underway,” said IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

A day before the process of setting up a doppler radar commenced at Jamadarpali in Sambalpur. The project, inaugurated by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, is slated for completion within six months, with an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore.