In a significant move towards bolstering disaster preparedness, the Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on March 08, 2024. The agreement paves the way for the installation of four state-of-the-art Doppler radars across Uttar Pradesh, aiming to revolutionize disaster monitoring capabilities and minimize the impact of natural calamities.
The Doppler radars, equipped to provide accurate and timely information about impending disasters such as floods, lightning, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and hurricanes, are poised to play a pivotal role in the state’s disaster management efforts. With this critical data, the government can issue prompt alerts, allowing residents to take necessary precautions and facilitating swift and effective disaster response measures.
P Guruprasad, the Principal Secretary of Revenue, underscored the proactive role of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in spearheading initiatives to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Under his guidance, the MoU was executed to strategically place Doppler radars in disaster-prone districts across the state. This forward-thinking approach reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of its citizens.
State Relief Commissioner GS Naveen Kumar emphasized the significance of the MoU in fortifying Uttar Pradesh’s disaster preparedness efforts. He highlighted that while the state previously had only one Doppler radar, the installation of four additional units will bring the total count to five. This expansion of monitoring infrastructure underscores the government’s determination to stay ahead of potential disasters and protect vulnerable communities.
Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director-General of IMD, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “An MoU has been signed between the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, aiming to bolster the state’s preparedness for weather and climate forecasts by installing four Doppler radars. Being geographically extensive, Uttar Pradesh encounters a range of natural calamities such as intense rainfall, lightning strikes, hailstorms, and thunderstorms, often leading to casualties and property damage. This initiative heralds promising prospects for various stakeholders, including the Government of Uttar Pradesh and its populace.”
