New Delhi: India has significantly expanded its Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network since 2014, increasing from 14 operational units to 50 — a rise of over 250 per cent, Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday.
Speaking to the media after inaugurating a Selfie Point depicting a weather radar at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) headquarters in the national capital, Dr Jitendra Singh said the expansion now covers more than 87 per cent of the country and has substantially improved forecasting of cyclones, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
“India has significantly expanded its Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network since 2014, increasing from 14 operational units to 50, marking over 250 per cent rise,” he said.
“These additions, covering over 87 per cent of the country, improve forecasting for cyclones, heavy rain, and thunderstorms under the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with 50 more planned under Mission Mausam,” Singh stated.
The minister said the rapid scaling up of the radar network has been driven by the government’s focus on strengthening weather and climate services under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He added that the improved infrastructure has enhanced the accuracy, accessibility and credibility of weather forecasts, leading to greater public trust.
“This transformation has been made possible due to the high priority accorded to the sector by the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to greater accuracy, accessibility and public trust in forecasts,” he said.
“People now routinely check weather updates on their mobile phones before stepping out, reflecting the growing trust and reach of IMD services,” he stated.
Dr Singh noted that India’s enhanced forecasting capabilities are also benefiting neighbouring countries, underlining its role in regional cooperation and resilience.
“India’s forecasting capability has reached a stage where it can provide detailed inputs on rainfall intensity, type of precipitation, possibility of hailstorms, and even the size of raindrops,” he noted.
(IANS)
