Himachal Pradesh to Enhance Disaster Preparedness with 48 New Weather Stations

The Himachal Pradesh government has partnered with the India Meteorological Department to install 48 automatic weather stations for better forecasting and disaster preparedness. This initiative aims to improve response capabilities and will be supported by a comprehensive project funded by Agence Francaise de Developpement to bolster various aspects of disaster management.

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to install 48 automatic weather stations aimed at providing real-time data to enhance weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, crucial for sectors like agriculture and horticulture, officials confirmed on Saturday.

A memorandum of understanding was signed on Friday with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to facilitate the installation of these weather stations, according to a government statement.

This initiative is expected to significantly improve weather data accuracy and bolster responses to climate-related challenges. Currently, 22 automatic weather stations established by IMD are operational in the state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted that this network will improve the management of natural disasters by enhancing early warning systems and emergency response capabilities.

In addition, the state government has secured Rs 890 crore from Agence Francaise de Developpement for a comprehensive disaster and climate risk reduction project, aiming to transition the state towards a more resilient disaster management framework with strengthened infrastructure, governance, and institutional capacity.

The funds will be used to fortify the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, district disaster management authorities, and emergency operations centres. Additional measures include village-level climate change vulnerability assessments, expanded fire response capabilities, and bioengineering nurseries for landslide mitigation. Continuous monitoring will be conducted through dedicated software, with potential further support from France under a bilateral cooperation agreement.

(With inputs from agencies.)