In a significant move to enhance weather monitoring and disaster preparedness, Tripura is set to receive a state-of-the-art X-Band Doppler Weather Radar. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), led by Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, and the Government of Tripura (GoT) exchanged land lease documents for the radar’s installation at a ceremony held at the TIFT Conference Room, attended by Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha.

Alongside the radar, three Automated Weather Stations (AWS) were handed over to the IMD for integration into the national meteorological network, which will improve flood forecasting and water resource management in the state.

Dr. Mohapatra announced that a second advanced Doppler Weather Radar will also be installed in the Belonia subdivision, with work expected to start soon and installation completed within three months.

Highlighting Tripura’s vulnerability to multiple weather hazards, including urban flooding, cloudbursts, landslides, cyclones from the Bay of Bengal, nor’westers, cold waves, fog, and heatwaves, Dr. Mohapatra emphasized the need to strengthen the state’s meteorological network. Plans include the installation of automatic rain gauges, additional automated weather stations, and modern instruments such as wind profilers.

Currently, Tripura has 34 district-level rain gauges and 28 Automated Weather Stations, with 14 more planned. From 2025, block-level rainfall monitoring will also be initiated.

Over the past decade, Tripura’s meteorological centre has expanded its services beyond aviation, with forecast accuracy improving from around 40 percent. IMD now aims to provide Panchayat-level forecasts, delivering precise, actionable weather information, particularly benefiting farmers.

The new high-resolution X-Band Doppler Weather Radar will cover approximately 100 kilometers, enabling real-time monitoring of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, cyclones, and other severe weather events. It is expected to be operational before the upcoming pre-monsoon season.

This will be Tripura’s second Doppler Weather Radar, after the existing unit at Agartala Airport, operational since 2011. The ceremony was attended by Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey, Dr. Partha Roy, Head of the Meteorological Centre Agartala, and other senior officials.