SHIMLA/KAZA: Even though the proposed X-Band Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) could not be installed in the high-altitude Lahaul-Spiti valley due to technical constraints, the Centre has strengthened weather monitoring across the cold desert region by expanding its network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWSs) and rain gauges, promising more accurate forecasts and timely warnings for residents, tourists and the Indian Army deployed along the India-China frontier.
Replying to an Unstarred Question in the Rajya Sabha by MP Harsh Mahajan, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh said that despite sustained efforts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), no technically suitable site could be identified for installing an X-Band Doppler Weather Radar in Lahaul-Spiti because severe mountain beam blockage would have rendered the radar ineffective. Consequently, after the project timeline expired, the sanctioned radar was shifted to another suitable location in the country.
The minister, however, said the Union Government has expanded weather observation infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh under Mission Mausam and other modernization initiatives.
The state now has 24 Automatic Weather Stations, four Agro-AWSs and 66 Automatic Rain Gauge Stations, besides 135 district and block-level rain gauges for improved rainfall monitoring. Of these, 10 AWSs and ARGs are operational in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, including stations at Keylong, Kukumsher, Tabo, Reckong Peo, Kalpa, Leo, Moorang, Pooh, Sangla and Sumdoh.
The enhanced observation network is expected to improve forecasting accuracy in the remote Himalayan region, where sudden cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and snowfall frequently disrupt connectivity and endanger lives. Better real-time weather information will benefit Spiti's local communities, farmers, tourism operators, disaster management agencies and the Indian Army, which maintains a strategic presence along the sensitive border with China.
Dr. Jitendra Singh informed Parliament that Himachal Pradesh currently has three operational X-Band Doppler Weather Radars located at Kufri (Shimla), Jot (Chamba) and Murari Devi (Mandi).
These radars, together with satellite observations, high-performance computing, numerical weather prediction models and artificial intelligence-based forecasting tools, are being used to improve weather prediction across vulnerable mountain regions.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences said it will continue strengthening weather observation and forecasting systems in remote and disaster-prone Himalayan areas based on operational requirements, technical feasibility and resource availability, aiming to provide more reliable early warnings against extreme weather events.
#Spiti #HimachalPradesh #WeatherForecast #IndiaChinaBorder
