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 Modi’s ‘Mission Mausam’, announced earlier this year during IMD’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
IMD Nears Target of Tripling Radar Network
Dr. Singh said IMD is rapidly progressing towards its commitment to expand India’s radar network from 47 to 126 radars by 2027. He announced that the target has already been achieved ahead of schedule.
“We are already at 126 radars, with two years still remaining. I am confident we will comfortably surpass the target,” he said, calling Doppler radars a critical component of India’s 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 Chhattisgarh’s 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 IMD’s Shakthi Nagar facility, this is Karnataka’s 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 India’s 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 IMD’s 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 radars—including urban radar systems for major metro cities and advanced phased-array radars for Himalayan states—are 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 IMD’s growing role in supporting India’s development agenda and strengthening regional cooperation.
He commended the department for emerging as a “Vishwa Bandhu,” providing weather services and disaster advisories to neighbouring countries.
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