India Accelerates ‘Mission Mausam’ with New Radars, Solar System & Museum Unveiled

Surpassing expectations, Dr. Singh announced that 126 radars are already operational, achieved within months of the commitment.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State for Earth Sciences; and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated three major initiatives of the India Meteorological Department (IMD)—two advanced Doppler Weather Radars, a 771 kWp solar power system at Mausam Bhawan, and a new Meteorological Museum aimed at young learners and researchers. The launches mark a significant milestone in India's rapidly expanding weather and climate infrastructure.

Strengthening 'Mission Mausam' Under PM Modi's Vision

Addressing dignitaries, scientists, and students, Dr Jitendra Singh said that IMD's expansion is directly aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for Mission Mausam, unveiled during IMD's 150th-year celebration at Bharat Mandapam on 14 January 2025.

He recalled IMD's ambitious pledge to the Prime Minister—tripling India's radar network from 47 radars to nearly 131 by 2027. Surpassing expectations, Dr. Singh announced that 126 radars are already operational, achieved within months of the commitment.

He said the progress demonstrates India's technological agility and scientific preparedness. "We still have two years to go, and I am confident we will not only meet but comfortably achieve the target within the timeline," he added.

Two New State-of-the-Art Doppler Weather Radars

Dr. Singh highlighted that Doppler radars are among the most powerful assets in modern weather forecasting, providing real-time data crucial for disaster preparedness. He stressed that radars are regional assets, serving multiple states regardless of administrative boundaries, and enabling life-saving meteorological alerts.

C-Band Radar at Raipur (First in Chhattisgarh)

A Dual Polarized, Solid-State Power Amplifier-based C-Band Radar has been installed at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, becoming Chhattisgarh's first IMD radar.

Key features:

• Coverage: 250 km radius

• Weather events monitored: monsoon depressions, low-pressure systems, thunderstorms, lightning, squalls, hailstorms, heavy rainfall, turbulence

• Regions covered: Chhattisgarh, interior Odisha, eastern Madhya Pradesh, southwest Jharkhand, southern East Uttar Pradesh

This radar fills a decades-old data gap in central-eastern India, significantly boosting IMD's short-range and nowcasting capabilities.

C-Band Radar at Mangaluru (First IMD Radar in Karnataka)

The second radar, installed at IMD's RS/RW Office, Shakthi Nagar, Mangaluru, will be crucial for the weather-prone west coast.

Key features:

• Coverage: 250 km radius

• Regions monitored:

  • Arabian Sea adjoining Karnataka

  • Northern Lakshadweep

  • Goa, South Konkan

  • Coastal and interior Karnataka, Kerala, South Maharashtra

• Weather events: cyclones, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, lightning, squalls, and turbulence

This radar enhances the region's climate resilience and supports fishermen, coastal communities, maritime authorities, and disaster management agencies.

Both radars were indigenously developed under the 'Make in India' initiative, reinforcing India's technological self-reliance.

New Meteorological Museum: IMD's Journey Through 150 Years

Dr. Jitendra Singh also inaugurated a Meteorological Museum that showcases IMD's evolution from the colonial era to the modern age of satellites, radars, AI-based forecasting, and supercomputing.

Museum highlights:

• Historical and contemporary weather instruments

• Upper-air observation systems

• Radar and satellite components

• Communication equipment once used for weather bulletins

• Audio-visual interactive learning zones for students

The Minister urged IMD to introduce structured tours for school and college students, describing the museum as a "century-long journey of scientific evolution" that will ignite curiosity in young minds.

IMD's Green Push: A 771 kWp Solar Power System at Mausam Bhawan

In line with India's renewable energy targets, IMD has installed 1,315 solar panels generating 771 kWp across the Mausam Bhawan premises.

Key benefits:

• Supports PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

• Reduces IMD's carbon footprint

• Potential to generate surplus power and feed it back into the grid

• Model for adoption across other government complexes

Dr. Singh said the initiative reflects IMD's commitment to sustainability, contributing to India's net-zero goals, while reducing electricity expenditures.

Expanding Radar Network for a Weather-Ready Nation

Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, announced that IMD's current radar network already covers over 50% of India's geographical area. Plans are underway for:

• New urban radars for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata

• Advanced phased-array radars for the Himalayan terrain—Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh

• Enhanced observational systems for better tracking of monsoon variability and extreme weather

Director General, IMD, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, reaffirmed IMD's dedication to improve forecasting models, data assimilation techniques, and capacity-building programs for forecasters.

Paving the Way for Viksit Bharat @2047

Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded that the trio of launches symbolizes IMD's growing role in supporting Viksit Bharat @2047, combining traditional wisdom with modern technology to create a secure, climate-resilient nation.

He praised IMD for emerging as a "Vishwa Bandhu", providing advanced weather services and disaster advisory support to neighboring countries—strengthening India's role in regional climate diplomacy.