Weather radar to come up at 3 more places in JK for precise forecasting

Srinagar, Aug 15: Meteorology Department Jammu and Kashmir is planning to install the weather radar at three more places for precise forecasting.
Following September-2014 floods, a Doppler Weather Radar was installed at the department’s Barzulla station for accurate forecasting.
The lone radar, however, has not been able to serve the entire state, urging the department to identify three more places in for installing additional radars.
The new radars will be set up in Leh, Jammu, and on Srinagar-Jammu Highway.
An official of the department said, “We rely on the data gathered from advanced technological equipment including the Doppler Weather Radar and Satellite Meteorology. This helps in data analysis through graphical information.”
“With the radars set up at the proposed sites, we will be able to make predictions faster and receive quick measurements of rainfall intensity and wind speed. This will enable us to intimate agencies well in advance about the weather conditions.”
Another official said the advance forecasts would also “ensure safe travel for the commuters on the Jammu-Srinagar highway”, which is principal surface connection to and from Kashmir Valley.
Bad weather in winters results in frequent closure of the highway, troubling travellers.
Installation of the three new radar systems is estimated to cost around Rs 10 crore to be provided by the Department of Earth Sciences.
Deputy Director, Meteorology Department J&K, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said, “Plans are afoot to set up weather radars at three new places. The proposal has been sent to the government.”
“The weather radar has become a necessity in today’s times, as we have been facing an erratic weather pattern.”
According to a report by the Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing (EERS), Kashmir is likely to witness 50 per cent increase in precipitation by 2030 due to “climatic change” across the globe.
The number of rainy days in the Himalayan region may increase by 5-10 days on an average.