Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday inaugurated three significant initiatives of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), including two C-Band Doppler Weather Radars in Raipur and Mangaluru, a 771 kWp solar power system at Mausam Bhawan, and a newly developed Meteorological Museum aimed at educating students and young researchers.
The launches mark a major milestone under Prime Minister Narendra Modiโs โMission Mausamโ, announced earlier this year during IMDโs 150th anniversary celebrations.
IMD Nears Target of Tripling Radar Network
Dr. Singh said IMD is rapidly progressing towards its commitment to expand Indiaโs radar network from 47 to 126 radars by 2027. He announced that the target has already been achieved ahead of schedule.
โWe are already at 126 radars, with two years still remaining. I am confident we will comfortably surpass the target,โ he said, calling Doppler radars a critical component of Indiaโs disaster preparedness infrastructure.
He noted that radars function beyond state boundaries, serving multiple regions and improving early warning capabilities for extreme weather.
Two New Doppler Radars Installed in Raipur and Mangaluru
The Minister inaugurated two Dual Polarized, Solid-State C-Band Doppler Weather Radars, both developed under the Make in India initiative.
- Raipur Radar: Installed at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, this is Chhattisgarhโs first IMD radar. With 250 km coverage, it will strengthen monitoring of monsoon systems, heavy rainfall and severe convective weather over Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of East Uttar Pradesh.
- Mangaluru Radar: Installed at IMDโs Shakthi Nagar facility, this is Karnatakaโs first IMD radar. It will monitor weather over the Arabian Sea, Goa, South Konkan, Lakshadweep, and adjoining land areas of Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra. The radar will significantly enhance cyclone tracking and west coast disaster preparedness.
771 kWp Solar Power System Strengthens Clean Energy Adoption
Dr. Singh also inaugurated a 771 kWp solar installation at the Mausam Bhawan Complex, comprising 1,315 solar panels installed by NBCC.
He said the project supports the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and contributes to Indiaโs net-zero 2070 commitment, adding that the system is expected to generate surplus power that can be supplied back to the grid.
New Meteorological Museum Opens for Students and Youth
The newly inaugurated Meteorological Museum showcases IMDโs 150-year journey through historical instruments, communication systems, radar and satellite components, and digital learning tools.
Dr. Singh urged IMD to conduct structured educational tours, calling the museum a platform to inspire future scientists.
Expanding Radar Coverage and Modern Weather Technology
Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, said IMD has now achieved over 50% national radar coverage, and additional radarsโincluding urban radar systems for major metro cities and advanced phased-array radars for Himalayan statesโare planned.
IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra highlighted ongoing upgrades in observation, modelling, forecasting, and training systems.
Aligning with Vision of Viksit Bharat @2047
Dr. Singh said the new radars, museum and solar system reflect IMDโs growing role in supporting Indiaโs development agenda and strengthening regional cooperation.
He commended the department for emerging as a โVishwa Bandhu,โ providing weather services and disaster advisories to neighbouring countries.
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