New Delhi: To strengthen weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) will install four additional Doppler weather radars under Mission Mausam, raising the total number in the region to seven.
Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced the decision during a high-level review meeting on the flood situation. Senior officials including Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Dr. M. Mohapatra, DG IMD, were present.
Dr. Singh directed the IMD to issue district-level forecasts for vulnerable regions in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, stressing the need for hyperlocal data for disaster mitigation. He also asked the IMD and the Ministry of Earth Sciences to ensure round-the-clock monitoring and timely alerts to local administrations.
Deputy Commissioners of flood-affected districts briefed the meeting on rescue and relief efforts.
- Doda: DC Harvinder Singh reported flash floods in Rout Marmat and damage to the Doda-Kishtwar road. Timely intervention in Bhaderwah, including clearing culverts and diverting floodwaters, prevented major losses.
- Udhampur: DC Saloni Rai said 38 relief camps are sheltering over 2,000 people. Of 380 damaged roads, 190 have been restored, while connectivity issues persist in Dudu Basantgarh and Moungri.
- Kathua: DC Rajesh Sharma reported 26 relief camps housing 1,900 people. Out of 285 damaged roads, 179 have been reopened, and restoration is underway on water supply schemes.
- Ramban: DC Alyas Khan said a cloudburst in Drubla village on August 29 triggered landslides and flash floods, leaving four dead and one missing. Over 950 people were evacuated. Heavy rains damaged 84 roads, of which 30 have been reopened.
- Kishtwar: DC Pankaj Kumar Sharma reported the rescue of five workers trapped in a landslide at the Rattle Power Project site.
Dr. Singh commended the administrations for saving lives, restoring connectivity, and ensuring uninterrupted supply of essentials in difficult conditions.
