New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the new Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Lucknow on Sunday. The facility aims to strengthen weather forecasting, disaster preparedness and climate services across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and neighbouring regions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said India had significantly expanded its meteorological infrastructure during the last decade. He noted that the improvements had enabled more accurate, localised and impact-based weather forecasts for citizens, disaster management agencies, farmers, tourists and the aviation sector.
The Minister said India had only 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014. However, the country now operates 50 radars. In addition, another 50 radars will be installed under Mission Mausam during the next two years.
According to him, the expansion will strengthen real-time monitoring and improve forecasting accuracy across the country. He added that weather services had evolved from broad regional forecasts to highly localised and time-specific predictions.
Lucknow meteorological centre expands regional forecasting
Highlighting developments in Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the state had only one Doppler Weather Radar in 2014. Today, three radars are operational and several more are under installation.
He also said the number of Automatic Weather Stations increased from 59 to 107. Similarly, Automatic Rain Gauge stations rose from 132 to 140. Furthermore, lightning sensors increased from none in 2014 to seven at present.
The Minister noted that aviation meteorological services are now available at 11 airports across Uttar Pradesh. Consequently, weather monitoring has become more comprehensive and reliable.
Referring to Uttarakhand, he said the state previously had no Doppler Weather Radar despite its vulnerability to flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides. However, three radars have now been installed and additional systems are planned under Mission Mausam.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the new centre would decentralise meteorological services and provide focused forecasting support for the region. Moreover, the facility will improve monitoring, weather advisories and dissemination systems.
He stressed that improved forecasting plays a critical role in reducing disaster risks. Therefore, authorities can issue advance warnings for flash floods, thunderstorms, lightning strikes, avalanches and other extreme weather events.
The Minister also urged citizens, local administrations and disaster management agencies to make full use of weather forecasts and early warning systems. He said real-time weather information now reaches districts and local bodies quickly and should guide planning and decision-making.
The new Regional Meteorological Centre is expected to strengthen forecasting services, improve public safety and support agriculture, aviation and disaster management activities across northern India.
