Shillong, Apr 30: A joint inspection for the proposed installation of a Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) in Tura at key locations including Darechikgre and Albella Peak, Albella Chidekgre.
The inspection team comprised officials from multiple agencies, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), and district-level authorities such as the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) from Tura and Rongram.
Installing the DWR in Tura is expected to bolster the weather monitoring framework by providing accurate and timely meteorological data. This is particularly vital for forecasting weather phenomena that impact daily life and agriculture in the Garo Hills. Enhanced weather monitoring capabilities will allow for better preparedness for natural disasters, thereby saving lives and reducing economic losses in the region.
The DWR at Tura is being proposed under Mission Mausam, a flagship initiative of the Government of India under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
In addition, the Director and Head of the Meteorological Centre, Shillong, informed that IMD is also planning to establish a Meteorological Observatory at Tura. This facility will support both surface and upper-air observations, further strengthening severe weather monitoring in the region.
The initiative is expected to greatly benefit disaster management authorities, local administration, and the general public by enabling timely and proactive safety measures during adverse weather conditions.
It may be mentioned that currently 48 Doppler Weather Radars are operational across India, including an X-Band DWR commissioned at Jorhat, Assam, on January 19, 2026. In Meghalaya, one DWR is currently operational at Sohra, and upon completion of the proposed installation at Albella Chidekgre, it will become the second such facility in the state.
