Making new endeavors to upgrade weather forecasting systems in a significant way, the national capital, Delhi, is set to enhance the efficiency of the system both in accuracy and public safety. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh declared this measure during the high-level meeting held to address public concerns over the backdrop of the current monsoon season affected in the national capital and other regions.
Currently, Delhi has 17 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS). The first phase of augmentation will bring in 50 more AWS, and subsequently another 100 AWS to increase it to global levels. “Every effort would be made to make the forecast system people-friendly to bring convenience and ease in the lives of the public and save many days lost and economic repercussions due to unforeseen weather changes,” Dr. Singh added.
Expansion Beyond Delhi
The up-gradation program will not be limited to Delhi only. Dr. Singh disclosed plans to install three new radars and 180 automatic weather forecasting systems in the Delhi NCR region. Expansions of this nature are also planned for other big cities. Mumbai will get four new radars, apart from the two existing ones, while Chennai and Kolkata will get new radars.
Advanced Technology and Data Processing
The enhancements will provide advanced technology and increased data processing capabilities of weather prediction models. One such envisioned enhancement is a high-performance computing system of 20 petaflops. These would augment the processing capacity of weather models exponentially, thus, making way for better and more timely weather predictions.
National Impact
This goes with the vision of the Prime Minister of empowering the ‘common man,’ especially farmers and fishermen. A key part of this empowerment is the provision of adequate and timely systems of weather forecasting so that planning and disaster management become very effective. This way, with better services in their weather forecasts, these groups could make better choices and avert some of the effects that are brought on by sudden changes in the weather.
Disaster Risk Reduction
Dr. Singh stated the larger context of the impact of these changes on the landscape of disaster risk reduction. The ability to predict weather conditions has been the key to alerting individuals regarding threats of future floods, storms, and other natural hazards. As forecasting capability is enhanced, the government is closer to ensuring a more secure society.
The economic gains from an improved system of weather forecasting are enormous. A more accurate forecast of weather can reduce the loss that comes with sudden changes in weather by enabling proper planning in agriculture, fisheries, and transport. This saves many man-days and reduces losses incurred due to disruption of activities by bad weather.
Implementation Timeline
Implementation will be rolled out in a modular way, with an increase of 50 AWS first in Delhi. In the subsequent modules, this enhancement will be established in other states and cities. Though he didn’t spell out how soon, the Minister assured that all these improvements would be implemented at the earliest.
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION
Public awareness and public ownership of this initiative are key to the realization of this initiative. The government will involve the citizens in a way that makes them understand and make use of the improved weather systems. This will range from campaigns for public information to community outreach programs aimed at educating people about the benefits and uses of the upgraded systems.
It is a big leap toward public safety and disaster preparedness concerning Delhi’s weather forecasting systems. Now, with the augmentation of new AWS and radar installations, the enhancement of data processing capability will help in preparing more accurate and timely weather forecasts. This will benefit not only Delhi but percolate down to other major cities and regions, thereby giving way to a more secure society. These enhancements will bring immense economic and social benefits, thereby alleviating the unpredictability of weather changes and improving citizens’ lives.