38 automated weather stations, new Doppler radars to be installed to strengthen Uttarakhand’s early warning system

Dehradun: Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) is set to strengthen the state's early warning system by installing modern, technology-based equipment across districts over the next few months to improve weather forecasting and reduce loss of life and property, officials said.Secretary of disaster management and rehabilitation department, Vinod Kumar Suman, said the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) will install Automated Weather Stations (AWS) in 10 districts. Uttarkashi and Tehri will get the highest number, with eight AWS each, followed by seven in Pauri, five in Dehradun, three each in Rudraprayag and Bageshwar, two in Almora, and one each in Nainital and Haridwar. These stations will provide accurate, real-time weather data, enabling timely alerts, he said.In addition, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) will install Doppler radars in Dehradun, Almora, Champawat and Chamoli to enhance real-time monitoring of rainfall, cloud movement and weather activity. District administrations have been asked to identify land and send proposals to the govt at the earliest for the installation of AWS and Doppler radars.During a recent review meeting with officials from all 13 districts, Suman directed them to upload expenditure details under disaster-related heads on the National Disaster Management Authority's (NDMA) National Disaster Management Information System (NDMIS) portal, stressing that timely updates are essential for transparency and monitoring. Suman said disaster management equipment across districts will be GIS-mapped, and departments must upload inventory details on the IDRN (India Disaster Resource Network) portal before the monsoon to ensure faster emergency response.To improve communication, Disaster Dedicated Radio Network (DDRN) systems will be set up in all districts on the lines of Rudraprayag, he added. Tehsil-level Emergency Operation Centres (TEOCs) will also be established, similar to the existing state and district emergency operation centres, to enable quicker local response and better coordination during disasters.Suman also reviewed cases related to financial assistance and issuance of death certificates to Nepali-origin individuals who died in disasters in 2025, and directed district officials to send detailed reports to facilitate action at the Centre. He also instructed officials to expedite pending cases of declaring missing persons as deceased so families can receive relief without delay.