Himachal seeks Doppler radar, seismic lab and weather stations to tackle rising disasters

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Yog Raj Sharma

The North News

New Delhi/Shimla, October 29

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the central government to provide additional Doppler weather radars and automated weather stations to strengthen the state’s disaster early warning systems. During a meeting in New Delhi with Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh has seen a sharp rise in natural disasters due to its fragile geography and the growing effects of climate change. The state, he said, has been suffering “huge losses” from frequent extreme weather events.

The Chief Minister requested the installation of one new Doppler weather radar and 150 automated weather stations before the next monsoon season, adding that accurate and timely forecasts are vital for saving lives and property. He thanked the Union Minister for approving a Doppler radar for Lahaul-Spiti and suggested integrating all weather data with national early warning agencies.

Sukhu also called for a seismic laboratory and data analysis centre in the Kangra-Hamirpur zone, classified as a high-risk seismic Zone-V area. He proposed two additional air monitoring systems for higher altitudes, a compact weather radar for shadow regions, and a dedicated weather data centre in Hamirpur.

Highlighting the urgency of modern monitoring infrastructure, he said the state needs advanced systems for disaster forecasting and data analysis as natural calamities intensify each year.

The Chief Minister also sought the establishment of a Bio-Manufacturing Hub to utilise Himachal’s plant-based natural resources and promote sustainable, eco-friendly packaging. He requested central support for strengthening space science education, including the “Space on Wheels” programme and AI-based refresher courses for students.

Discussions also covered natural farming, land management, and renewable energy-driven agriculture. Sukhu briefed Dr Jitendra Singh on state initiatives in the dairy and organic farming sectors. The Union Minister assured that the requests would be prioritised.

MLA Suresh Kumar, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, and Principal Resident Commissioner Ajay Kumar Yadav also attended the meeting.