The officials concerned inspected 8-10 sites each in both districts, but none were suitable for the facility.
“The radar signals at these sites wouldn’t travel beyond 3-4 km due to the hilly terrain. At these sites, we encountered a massive problem of beam blockage. At the minimum, the radar should be able to scan at least 60-70 per cent area of its total capacity,” said Sandeep Sharma, Senior Scientist, Meteorological Centre, Shimla.
The Doppler radar can usually scan up to 100 km of its radius. Local officials have informed India Meteorological Department, New Delhi, about the lack of suitable sites. The head office will now decide future course of action in this regard.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had urged the Centre a while back to provide a Doppler radar each for Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti to ensure timely and accurate weather forecast in the tribal districts.
Currently, these two districts don’t have a Doppler radar, and are partially covered by radars in neighbouring districts. While a portion of Lahaul and Spiti is covered by a radar in Jot, Kinnaur is partially covered by the facility at Kufri.
The radars are highly effective in forecasting immediate weather, up to four hours. “Through these radars, we can issue forecasts for severe weather events such as hail, thunderstorm, lightning and heavy rains up to three to four hours in advance, with a high degree of accuracy,” Sharma said. Based on forecasts issued about immediate extreme weather events, people can take precautionary measures to avert loss to life and property.
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