Agartala, Dec 31 (UNI) Aiming to improve weather forecast and disaster readiness, Tripura is poised to acquire a cutting-edge X-Band Doppler Weather Radar.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Government of Tripura have exchanged land lease agreements for the radar’s installation during a ceremony here today in presence of Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha.
Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, in addition to the radar, three Automated Weather Stations (AWS) were transferred to the IMD for incorporation into the national meteorological framework, enhancing flood prediction and water resource management within the state.
He informed that a second advanced Doppler Weather Radar will be established in the Belonia in South Tripura, with construction anticipated to commence shortly and completion expected within three months.
Emphasizing Tripura’s susceptibility to various weather-related threats, such as urban flooding, cloudbursts, landslides, cyclones originating from the Bay of Bengal, nor’westers, cold waves, fog, and heatwaves, Dr Mohapatra stressed the importance of bolstering the state’s meteorological infrastructure.
Future plans include the deployment of automatic rain gauges, additional automated weather stations, and advanced instruments like wind profilers.
At present, Tripura is equipped with 34 district-level rain gauges and 28 Automated Weather Stations, with an additional 14 planned for installation.
Starting in 2025, block-level rainfall monitoring will also be introduced. Over the last ten years, Tripura’s meteorological centre has broadened its services beyond aviation, with forecast accuracy improving from approximately 40 percent.
The IMD now aims to deliver forecasts at the Panchayat level, providing precise and actionable weather data, which will particularly benefit farmers.
The new high-resolution X-Band Doppler Weather Radar is expected to cover an area of about 100 kilometres, facilitating real-time observation of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, cyclones, and other severe weather phenomena. It is anticipated to be operational prior to the forthcoming pre-monsoon season.
