New Delhi, Sept 5 : To enhance weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in J&K which is reeling under flash floods, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) will install four additional Doppler weather radars under ‘Mission Mausam’, bringing the total number of operational radars in the region to seven.
Announcing the decision, union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the move aims to provide more accurate forecasts and early warnings, particularly in light of the recent cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides that have disrupted life in several districts, as per the government statement here.
The Minister was chairing a review meeting yesterday to assess the flood situation in Jammu & Kashmir, which was attended by senior officials, including Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Dr M. Mohapatra, Director General, IMD.
Dr Singh instructed the IMD to issue dedicated district-level forecasts for vulnerable regions in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, noting that precise, hyperlocal data was critical for effective disaster mitigation and public safety.
He also directed the IMD and Ministry of Earth Sciences to ensure 24×7 monitoring of weather systems and to share timely alerts with local administrations to minimise damage and improve community level preparedness.
Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of flood-affected districts in Jammu & Kashmir joined the meeting via video conference and provided updates on relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts.
In Doda, DC Harvinder Singh reported flash floods in the Rout Marmat area and damages to the Doda-Kishtwar road. The Minister appreciated the swift action by the administration in Bhaderwah, where timely intervention, including the clearing of choked culverts and diversion of floodwaters using heavy machinery, prevented large-scale inundation, said a statement.
Udhampur DC Saloni Rai said that 38 relief camps had been set up, accommodating over 2,000 people.
Of the 380 damaged roads, 190 have been restored, with remaining connectivity issues in Dudu Basantgarh and Moungri areas.
In Kathua, DC Rajesh Sharma reported that 26 camps were housing 1,900 people. Of 285 damaged roads, 179 have been reopened, although several remote villages remain cut off. Restoration is also underway on 186 water supply schemes, of which 79 have been repaired.
In Ramban, DC Alyas Khan said that a cloudburst in Drubla Village, Rajgarh Tehsil on August 29 triggered landslides and flash floods, resulting in four fatalities, with one person still missing and another severely injured. Over 950 people were evacuated to safer locations.
While 55 roads were initially restored, subsequent rainfall damaged 84 more, of which 30 have been reopened. In Kishtwar, DC Pankaj Kumar Sharma reported a successful rescue operation in the Rattle Power Project area, where five people trapped under debris following a landslide were pulled out alive and provided medical care.
Dr Jitendra Singh lauded the efforts of district administrations, particularly their work under difficult conditions to save lives, restore connectivity, and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, rations, and medicines to the affected populations, the statement added.