Weather forecasting to be improved
Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 20
Having automatic weather stations right up to the tehsil level and
acquiring sophisticated equipment will help the Indian Meteorological
Department (IMD) to make weather forecast for 15 days to a month in
advance.

Speaking at the workshop on "Users requirements of weather and
climate in western Himalayas" here today, director-general of the
Indian Meteorological Department Ajit Tyagi said efforts were on to
enable weather forecast for 15 days to a month. "We intend to have
550 automatic weather stations all over the country that will bring
about greater efficiency in weather forecasting," he said.

He said the department would set up an aviation observatory at the
Jubabr Hatti airport. "Our plans to have a Doppler radar installed in
or around Shimla has been delayed for the want of land and the moment
we get it, installation will be made in no time," he said.

He said the department had the required funds for the Doppler radar.
Its installation would help in issuing advance warnings about natural
catastrophes like earthquake, flash floods and cloudbursts.

Horticulture minister Narender Bragta, who was the chief guest on the
occasion, said the state government was in the process of preparing a
strategy to have improved weather forecasting as the economy was
largely based on agriculture and horticulture. He said the Indian
Meteorological Department would also be involved in the planning.

Manmohan Singh, director of the local meteorological centre, also
spoke on the occasion.