India is set to enhance its weather monitoring capabilities with an ambitious expansion of meteorological infrastructure, including 126 Doppler Weather Radars by 2026. In a high-level meeting chaired by the Earth Sciences Minister, officials from India Meteorological Department and key ministries reviewed the nation’s disaster preparedness, emphasizing the need for accurate forecasting systems.
The minister directed officials to expedite the installation of 50 additional Automatic Weather Stations in Delhi, adding to the existing 18, with a long-term goal of scaling up to 100. This initiative aims to bring the city’s weather forecasting infrastructure to global standards. The review highlighted the progress of Mission Mausam, launched to revolutionize India’s meteorological capabilities, integrating improved satellite meteorology systems, advanced numerical prediction models, and radar-based forecasting mechanisms.
The country’s Doppler Weather Radar network, currently consisting of 37 operational units, will expand to 73 by 2025-26 and further to 126 by 2026, covering key locations such as Bengaluru, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Guwahati, and Port Blair. The ability to track extreme weather events more precisely will enhance disaster management efforts, benefiting farmers, fishermen, aviation, and multiple sectors.
The minister emphasized the need for real-time, impact-based forecasting to mitigate risks and safeguard communities, ensuring no weather hazard goes undetected or unpredicted. Financial allocations and pending approvals for weather-related infrastructure projects were reviewed, with calls to fast-track decisions to ensure timely implementation.
As climate change intensifies the unpredictability of weather systems, strengthening radar coverage and forecast dissemination is crucial for national preparedness. Officials underscored the importance of achieving resilience and positioning India as a global leader in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
