IMD to expand radar network, strengthen existing ones
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is upgrading its national radar network to improve weather monitoring and cyclone detection. The plan includes replacing aging equipment and installing new S-band and X-band radars across various states by 2028.
Why it matters
Enhanced weather surveillance is critical for disaster preparedness and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events in India.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is looking to strengthen its existing radar network alongside installing new radars to improve weather observations and track monsoons.
With the onset of Northeast monsoon on Thursday, the IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre is maintaining the nearly 24-year-old Chennai’s S-band doppler weather radar in working condition. It is likely to be replaced with a new S-band radar by 2027.
Installed as India’s first doppler weather radar in 2002, Chennai’s radar on Rajaji Salai continues to monitor weather up to 400 km.
Officials of the RMC said orders have been placed to replace various radars, including Chennai, Karaikal, Kolkata and Machilipatnam about six months ago. The supplier is awaiting a component from abroad before assembling the new equipment.
In 2022, Chennai radar was indigenously renovated and its functioning is being closely monitored as it would help in cyclone detection.
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