Mumbai: In a significant boost to the state's weather tracking network, five new doppler radars will be installed in Pune, Nashik, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in the next two years. However, Mumbai is not on the list as the city already has six radars.

Statement Of IMD Mumbai Director Sunil Kamble

“The installation of the radars will cost Rs 25 crore each, including the infrastructural expenditure and the deployment of scientific staff. We are identifying locations which are not covered and need enhanced weather tracking networks,” said India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai director Sunil Kamble.

About The Initiative

The initiative is a part of the mega Rs 2,000 crore Mission Mausam project, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of IMD’s foundation day. The Mission aims to double the country’s radar count from the existing 39 by 2026.

Explaining why Mumbai has not been chosen as a location for new radars, Kamble told The Free Press journal that IMD Mumbai had launched four radars in 2024. “Now, the island city will have increased numbers of air balloons at locations having less weather observational coverage due to various reasons, including high-rises,” Kamble said.

For the coastal city of Mumbai, the installation of doppler radars and enhanced weather tracking using mobile technology plays a crucial role, especially during monsoon.

Speaking at the IMD event organised in New Delhi, PM Modi said, “It is not only the 150th anniversary of the weather department but also a display of India’s commitment to climate technology.” Mission Mausam’s objective is to make India a weatherready and climate smart nation, said the PM. “India’s weather department’s objective is ‘Ease of Living’ for its citizens by ‘Early Warning’ and better accuracy,” he underlined.