India is set to expand its Doppler Weather Radar network to enhance real-time weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday.

Singh, who holds multiple ministerial portfolios, reviewed key meteorological initiatives, including “Mission Mausam,” and assessed the progress of radar installations across the country. He emphasized the need for precise and impact-based weather predictions to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events.

Expansion of Doppler Radar Network

The India Meteorological Department is expected to operationalize 73 DWRs by 2025-26, increasing to 126 by 2026.

During the review meeting, Singh said that these installations, planned for locations including Bengaluru, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Guwahati, and Port Blair, aim to enhance India’s capabilities in tracking severe weather conditions.

“No weather hazard should go undetected or unpredicted,” Singh said, urging IMD officials to accelerate the implementation of radar infrastructure projects and strengthen their public outreach efforts.

To improve accessibility to weather alerts, Singh directed IMD to utilize social media platforms and digital applications such as Mausam, Meghdoot and Umang for faster dissemination of forecasts. This move is expected to enhance citizen engagement and provide timely updates on weather patterns and advisories.

Advancing Meteorological Technology

The review meeting also focused on integrating satellite meteorology, numerical weather prediction models and radar-based forecasting to bolster India’s meteorological accuracy.

Financial allocations and pending approvals for weather infrastructure projects were discussed to ensure steady progress in modernization efforts.

With climate change driving an increase in extreme weather events, expanding the Doppler radar network is seen as a crucial step in improving disaster response mechanisms and safeguarding communities.

Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing weather monitoring technology and ensuring the timely delivery of critical meteorological data.

Senior officials, including Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran and IMD Director-General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, attended the meeting.

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