48 automatic weather stations to be set up for early warning in Himachal Pradesh
Under the Rs 890-crore Agenc Française de Development (AFD) project, 48 automatic weather stations will be set up for early warning in the state for climate risk reduction.
The state government today signed an MOU with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to enhance weather data accuracy and improve response to climate-related challenges in Himachal Pradesh. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
The Chief Minister said that a state institute for disaster management would be established, besides helipads to be constructed to enhance disaster response. A new State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) company would be raised to strengthen local disaster management efforts.
As part of the project, climate change vulnerability assessments (CCVA) will be undertaken at the village level, along with developing an early warning system (EWS) for various natural disasters. The automatic weather stations will help in providing real-time data to improve forecasting and preparedness, particularly for sectors like agriculture and horticulture. The network will later be expanded to the block level in a phased manner. At present, 22 automatic weather stations, set up by the IMD, are already operational in the state.
“The project will help in the transition of the state towards a more resilient disaster management framework, focusing on strengthening infrastructure, governance and institutional capacity,” said the Chief Minister.
This network of weather stations would significantly improve the management of natural disasters like excessive rainfall, flashfloods, snowfall and cloudbursts by enhancing early warning systems and emergency response capabilities, he added.
Sukhu said that funds would be allocated for strengthening the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, District Disaster Management Authorities and Emergency Operations Centres.
The initiative would also expand fire response capabilities by establishing new fire stations in unserved areas and upgrading the existing ones to handle hazardous material emergencies. “It aims to build bioengineering nurseries for landslide mitigation, create earthquake-resistant infrastructure and improve last-mile connectivity through an enhanced satellite network. Continuous monitoring will be carried out through a dedicated software platform. Further support may be provided through a technical assistance grant from France under a bilateral cooperation agreement,” he added.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Special Secretary DC Rana, besides Abrassart Theresa, Camille Severac, Pauline Georges and Jyoti Vijayan Nair from the AFD were present on the occasion.
