IMD to Install 4 New Radars in J&K for Accurate Weather Forecasts

• IMD to install 4 new radars under Mission Mausam in J&K.
• District-wise weather forecasts to be issued for North India.
• PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah personally monitoring situation.
• Inter-Ministerial Committee to assess damages in Kathua.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Sept: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) will install four additional radars under Mission Mausam in Jammu & Kashmir, enhancing district-specific forecasts and early warnings. With three radars already operational, this move aims to strengthen disaster preparedness across the region.

High-Level Review Meeting

Dr. Singh chaired a video conference with the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and the Deputy Commissioners of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua, and Udhampur to assess relief and rehabilitation measures following unprecedented rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods. He directed the Ministry of Earth Sciences and IMD to issue dedicated district-wise weather forecasts for J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab.

Relief Measures Announced

The Minister assured that rations, water filters, medical kits, and additional relief from his MP funds would be dispatched, alongside government support. He stressed the need to prevent water-borne diseases and confirmed that fresh consignments of food packets and advanced water filters would reach affected families immediately.

Dr. Singh lauded the relentless work of district administrations and civil society volunteers, who, despite severe weather, ensured timely supply of rations, medicines, and shelter.

PM Modi and HM Amit Shah Monitoring

Dr. Singh conveyed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the situation and has instructed immediate relief measures. He further informed that Home Minister Amit Shah has formed an Inter-Ministerial Committee to assess damages, which will visit Kathua today.

District-wise Situation Updates

• Doda: DC Harvinder Singh reported timely interventions in Bhaderwah, where culverts were cleared and water channels diverted, preventing large-scale inundation.
• Udhampur: DC Saloni Rai stated that 38 relief camps house over 2,000 people; of 380 damaged roads, 190 restored. Some remote areas remain cut off.
• Kathua: DC Rajesh Sharma informed that 26 camps shelter 1,900 people; 285 roads damaged, 179 restored; connectivity to villages like Bagra and Lohai Malhar remains affected.
• Ramban: DC Alyas Khan reported a cloudburst at Drubla village on 29th August causing landslides, killing 4 people. Nearly 950 people were evacuated.
• Kishtwar: DC Pankaj Kumar Sharma confirmed that five workers trapped in a landslide at Rattle Power Project were rescued alive with injuries.

Minister’s Assurance

Dr. Singh said, “No effort will be spared to provide relief and rehabilitation. Punjab has stood as the nation’s shield; now the Centre stands with the people of J&K in this hour of crisis.”

He also hailed the efforts of civil society and local bikers, describing them as first responders and heroes, embodying a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.