Advanced Doppler Weather Radar to be installed in Belonia; two MoUs signed with IMD

In a major step to strengthen weather forecasting and early warning systems for disaster management, the Tripura government on Wednesday signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the installation of a Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) in Belonia.

The MoUs were signed between the state’s Revenue Department and Public Works (Water Resources) Department with the IMD in the presence of Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha. The agreements were formally handed over by Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey and Works Department Secretary Kiran Gitte to IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

The handover ceremony was held during a courtesy meeting between the Chief Minister and the IMD Director General at the Tripura Institution for Transformation office on Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Lane.

To strengthen the state’s weather forecasting infrastructure, the Tripura government has provided 0.22 acres of land free of cost to the IMD for setting up the Doppler Weather Radar in Belonia. In addition, the maintenance and data synchronization of three Automated Weather Stations (AWS) under the Public Works (Water Resources) Department have been handed over to the IMD.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha described the initiative as timely and significant. He said the state-of-the-art radar system would greatly benefit sectors such as agriculture, water resources, power, disaster management, and infrastructure development. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the Belonia installation would emerge as a modern and advanced Doppler Weather Radar facility, enhancing weather forecasting and early warning capabilities in the state.

Later, speaking at a press conference at the Civil Secretariat, IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the Doppler Weather Radar to be installed in Belonia would provide highly accurate weather data. Once operational, it will offer precise information on weather phenomena such as storms, rainfall, and cold waves.

Dr Mohapatra noted that the system would significantly improve natural disaster management and would benefit not only Tripura but also neighbouring states including Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam. He also informed that an agreement had been signed for handing over three Automated Weather Stations under the Public Works (Drinking Water and Sanitation) Department to the IMD for proper maintenance. After the transfer, these AWS units will be connected to the National Grid, which will play a crucial role in flood management.

The IMD Director General further stated that the department is working towards providing weather forecasts at the block and panchayat levels. The new radar station in Belonia will help generate localized forecasts for smaller areas. With these two agreements in place, advance weather forecasts of up to 10 days will be available, with updates every one, three, and six hours.

He added that the IMD currently provides forecasts for various sectors, including industry, transport, and agriculture. At present, Tripura has 28 automated weather stations, and plans are underway to establish 14 more across the state.

At the press conference, Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey said that the transfer of three automated weather stations located in Gomati, Khowai, and Dhalai districts would facilitate national-level data integration and improve overall weather data management.