India to Deploy 100 Doppler Weather Radars in Two Years Under Mission Mausam: Dr Jitendra Singh

Lucknow: India will have nearly 100 Doppler Weather Radars within the next two years under Mission Mausam, significantly strengthening the country’s real-time weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities, Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh said on Monday.

The minister was speaking after jointly inaugurating the new Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Lucknow along with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

Jitendra Singh said India’s meteorological infrastructure has undergone unprecedented expansion over the last decade, enabling more accurate, localised and impact-based weather forecasting services for citizens, disaster management agencies, farmers, tourists and the aviation sector.

According to the minister, India had only 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014, with several states lacking any such facility. The network has now expanded to 50 radars, and another 50 are planned under Mission Mausam, taking the total close to 100 within the next two years.

“Weather forecasting has evolved from broad regional predictions to highly localised and time-specific forecasts. Citizens can now access accurate short-range forecasts for the next few hours, enabling better preparedness and planning,” he said.

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s progress, the minister said the state had only one Doppler Weather Radar in 2014. Today, three radars are operational, while six more are being commissioned. The number of Automatic Weather Stations has increased from 59 to 107, Automatic Rain Gauges from 132 to 140, and lightning sensors from none to seven. Meteorological services are now available at 11 airports across the state.

Jitendra Singh said Uttar Pradesh’s geographical diversity and vulnerability to floods, droughts, heatwaves and thunderstorms make advanced forecasting systems critical for public safety and disaster preparedness.

The minister also highlighted improvements in neighbouring Uttarakhand, which previously had no Doppler Weather Radar despite being highly prone to flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts. The state now has three operational radars, with additional systems planned under Mission Mausam.

Emphasising the significance of the newly established Regional Meteorological Centre, the minister said the facility would serve Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and adjoining regions, enabling more focused monitoring, forecasting and dissemination of weather information.

He said the centre would play an important role in decentralising meteorological services and strengthening regional forecasting capabilities. Plans are also underway to develop additional infrastructure, including advanced Doppler Weather Radars and wind profiler systems, with support from the Uttar Pradesh government.

Jitendra Singh said improved forecasting systems are contributing significantly to disaster risk reduction by providing advance warnings for flash floods, cloudbursts, thunderstorms, lightning strikes and avalanches. However, he stressed that the effectiveness of weather services ultimately depends on timely action by local administrations and adherence to advisories by citizens.

The minister urged citizens, local authorities and disaster management agencies to make full use of weather forecasts and early warning systems, noting that real-time weather information is now reaching districts, local administrations and panchayats through digital platforms.

The new Regional Meteorological Centre at Lucknow is expected to strengthen forecasting services, improve dissemination of weather advisories and support disaster management, agriculture, aviation and public safety across northern India.