Himachal's Call for Weather Resilience: Chief Minister's Strategic Push

In a bid to bolster disaster preparedness, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to the Centre for a Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) and 150 automated weather stations ahead of the next monsoon. Sukhu's request comes amid a spike in natural disasters attributed to climate change and the state's challenging topography.

Meeting with Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh in New Delhi, Sukhu emphasized the need for advanced forecasting tools to deliver prompt alerts. With recent approval for a Doppler radar in Lahaul Spiti, the chief minister seeks integrated data with national systems for precise early warnings.

Beyond weather technology, Sukhu called for a seismic lab, additional air monitors, and a weather centre at Hamirpur, as well as initiatives like a biomanufacturing hub and space science education enhancement. The urgency is underscored by a report detailing Rs 46,000 crore in losses from natural disasters over the last four years.