Rohtang to have automatic weather station for real-time info

CHANDIGARH:Faced with growing instances of unseasonal weather events that cause heavy damage, the Central Water Commission (CWC) is setting up an automatic weather station (AWS) at Rohtang Top to obtain real-time climatic data on conditions atop the 13,050-high pass in Himachal Pradesh.

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 25

Faced with growing instances of unseasonal weather events that cause heavy damage, the Central Water Commission (CWC) is setting up an automatic weather station (AWS) at Rohtang Top to obtain real-time climatic data on conditions atop the 13,050-high pass in Himachal Pradesh.

The AWS, which will have a satellite link with a base station, will provide accurate forecast of climatic conditions at the pass that provides vital connectivity between Kullu Valley and the tribal belt of Lahaul and Spiti, thereby assisting the local administration in traffic management, issuing travel advisories and planning snow-clearing operations.

Last month, unseasonal heavy rain and snow in parts of Himachal Pradesh had crippled life for several days and caused heavy destruction, requiring hundreds of stranded persons to be evacuated. Even during the monsoon, torrential rains often trigger landslides and wash away roads.

“The project has been approved and we are now in the process of acquiring a small chunk of land near the top. We have approached the state government as well as the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for the purpose,” an officer said.

At present, there are two weather stations on either side at the base of the pass. On the northern slope towards Keylong, a weather station is located at Koksar (altitude around 10,300 feet), while on the Manali side there is one near Kothi (altitude around 8,200 feet).

“These do not serve the purpose of accurate forecast for the higher reaches that experience heavy snow. While satellite images only give out the area covered by snow, the AWS will be able to provide information pertaining to the quantum of precipitation and the depth of snow at the top, which will be useful for deciding on movement of traffic or deploying snow-clearing equipment,” the officer added.

The AWS, which are solar powered and equipped with various sensors and measuring equipment, are also used by the Defence Research and Development Organisation in the Himalayas for snow measurement and avalanche forecast.

Making life easy

The station will provide real-time climatic data as regards conditions atop the 13,050-high pass
It will help the local administration in traffic management, issuing of travel advisories and planning snow-clearing operations