J&K to get four new weather radars: Dr Jitendra

Jammu, Sep 4: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday said that J&K would get four additional weather radars under ‘Mission Mausam’ to strengthen district-wise forecasts and early warning systems.
Dr. Singh, who is also the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Atomic Energy and Space, convened a high-level review meeting via video conference with the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and the Deputy Commissioners of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua, and Udhampur.
The meeting reviewed ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures following unprecedented rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods across the districts.
Dr Singh said that Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, in collaboration with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), will install four additional weather radars in J&K.
Three radars are already operational in the region, and the new installations aim to provide more precise monitoring of extreme weather events.
Dr Singh directed the Ministry of Earth Sciences and IMD to issue dedicated, district-specific forecasts for North Indian states including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. He also instructed round-the-clock monitoring of weather patterns to ensure timely alerts and minimize loss of life and property.
The Minister commended the efforts of district administrations and civil society, noting that despite challenging weather conditions, officials have worked tirelessly to provide rations, medicines, and shelter to affected families.
Dr. Singh, who is also the Lok Sabha MP from Udhampur, confirmed that additional consignments of ration kits, advanced water filters, and essential medicines are being dispatched from his own MP funds to supplement government relief measures. He also highlighted measures taken to prevent water-borne diseases by ensuring access to potable drinking water and medical kits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are closely monitoring the situation, with an inter-ministerial committee set to visit Kathua to assess damages and coordinate assistance, Dr. Singh added.
In Doda, DC Harvinder Singh said that timely intervention prevented large-scale inundation in Bhaderwah by clearing blocked culverts and diverting water channels during peak floods.
In Udhampur, 38 relief camps accommodate over 2,000 people, while around 190 of the 380 damaged roads have been restored. In Kathua, 26 relief camps shelter 1,900 people, with restoration of roads and water supply schemes ongoing. Ramban and Kishtwar also saw swift response operations, including the rescue of five people trapped in a landslide at the Rattle Power Project.
Dr. Singh assured that no effort would be spared in providing relief and rehabilitation across all affected districts, praising the role of local authorities and community volunteers as integral to a coordinated government response. (KNO)