In an attempt to improve its forecasting quality, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is planning to set up 33 new radars within the next two years. This initiative will also help the department to send alerts regarding cloudbursts in mountainous regions. These cloudbursts are often witnessed during the Amarnath yatra each year. Last month, at least 16 people were killed during the Amarnath yatra due to a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst.
The IMD will be setting up four Doppler radars in the northwest Himalayas, of which one will be at Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir. The radar at Banihal was supposed to be operational by June 30, but that was not possible. The radar is currently being tested and might be operational soon. Himachal Pradesh will also get two such radars. On the other hand, IMD is also in talks with the Indian Army for installing a radar in the cantonment town of Lansdowne in Uttarakhand.
These are part of a 67-radar network that the IMD would establish by 2025. As part of this initiative, 8 radars for the North East, 11 for the plains and five for metro cities are planned. The process of tenders for North East radars and those for plains has begun.
Furthermore, IMD also has plans to install other instruments to provide better forecasts. The department has collaborated with the Indian Space Research Organisation for wind profilers, microwave radiometers and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) equipment.
