Lucknow, 08 June (HS): Dr.Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of

State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences,

opened the new Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Lucknow today with Uttar

Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. On occasion, the Minister stated that

India's meteorological infrastructure has expanded in unprecedented ways over

the previous decade, allowing for more accurate, location-specific, and impact-based

weather forecasting services across the country.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, who spoke at the event, stated that advances in weather

forecasting and observation systems over the previous decade have

revolutionized how meteorological services are supplied to residents, disaster

management agencies, farmers, visitors, and the aviation sector. According to

the Minister, India has just 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014, with numerous

states without even one radar, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttarakhand.

He told the gathering that the network has already grown to

50 Doppler Weather Radars, with another 50 radars projected under Mission

Mausam, bringing the total to over 100 radars over the next two years. He

stated that this extension will considerably enhance real-time weather

monitoring and forecasting skills across the country.

Dr.Jitendra Singh highlighted developments in forecasting services, noting that

weather forecasting has progressed from broad regional projections to highly

localized and time-specific forecasts. He stated that individuals now have

access to precise short-term forecasts, such as weather conditions for the next

several hours, allowing for greater planning and preparation. The Minister

emphasized that increased public trust in weather predictions is a result of

significant advancements in observational networks, forecasting models, and

distribution platforms.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, speaking especially about Uttar Pradesh,

stated that the state's geographical variety and climatic unpredictability make

it one of the most significant areas for sophisticated meteorological services.

He stated that Uttar Pradesh is extremely prone to floods, droughts, heatwaves,

thunderstorms, and other extreme weather occurrences, hence accurate

forecasting and warning systems are vital for public safety and disaster

preparation.

The Minister emphasized the significant improvement in meteorological

infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh over the previous decade. He stated that

whereas the state only had one Doppler Weather Radar in 2014, three are

currently operating, with many more being built. The number of automatic

weather stations in the state rose from 59 to 107, automatic rain gauge

stations from 132 to 140, and lightning sensors from 0 to 7.

He also mentioned that aviation meteorological services are

now available at eleven airports around Uttar Pradesh, demonstrating the

state's developing aviation infrastructure. Dr. Jitendra Singh also emphasized

the considerable increase of meteorological services in Uttarakhand. He added

that, despite its vulnerability to flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and

avalanches, the state historically lacked Doppler weather radar. Three of these

radars have already been deployed, and more are planned as part of Mission Mausam.

The number of automatic weather stations, airport meteorological observatories,

and lightning detection systems has also expanded significantly, improving

weather monitoring capacities throughout the Himalayan area. The Minister emphasised the importance of the

newly established Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, saying it will

play a critical role in decentralising meteorological services and enhancing

regional forecasting capability.

He stated that the Centre will serve Uttar Pradesh,

Uttarakhand, and neighboring regions, allowing for more targeted monitoring,

forecasting, and sharing of meteorological information. He also stated that

plans are in the works to construct specialized infrastructure, such as

sophisticated Doppler Weather Radars and wind profiler systems, with State

Government backing. Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that enhanced forecasting methods

are greatly reducing catastrophe risk by giving early warnings for flash

floods, cloudbursts, thunderstorms, lightning, avalanches, and other extreme

weather phenomena. He emphasized that, while forecasting accuracy has

significantly increased, the final success of weather services is dependent on

prompt action by local governments and public adherence to meteorological

agency recommendations and warnings.

The Minister urged individuals, local governments, and

disaster management organizations to fully utilize weather predictions and

early warnings, as well as impact-based alerts accessible on different digital

platforms. He stated that meteorological data is now reaching districts, local

governments, and Panchayats in real time and should be integrated into planning

and decision-making processes.

The establishment of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow is a key

milestone in the building of India's meteorological and climate services

infrastructure. The Center is anticipated to increase forecasting skills,

improve weather warnings distribution, and provide assistance to disaster

management, agriculture, aviation, and public safety throughout the region.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi