Doppler Radar to be Installed in Bhubaneswar for improved Weather Forecasting
Minister Suresh Pujari says radar systems in Balasore and Sambalpur to be operational soon; government assures no immediate flood threat despite rising river levels.
Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to strengthen its disaster preparedness mechanism with the installation of a Doppler radar system in Bhubaneswar. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that the advanced system will be commissioned soon to provide more accurate weather forecasts, especially during the monsoon season when cyclones, heavy rainfall, and floods remain recurring challenges for the state.
Along with Bhubaneswar, the Doppler radar systems already established in Balasore and Sambalpur will also be made operational shortly. Minister Pujari informed that the infrastructure and technical groundwork for these systems have been completed and the operationalisation process is in the final stages. Once functional, the three radars will together provide enhanced coverage of coastal, central, and western Odisha.
Officials explained that Doppler radars are critical tools for real-time weather tracking. They can monitor the intensity, speed, and movement of weather systems like cyclones and thunderstorms. By covering a radius of up to 500 kilometres, the radars will significantly improve the state’s ability to issue timely alerts and reduce the risk to lives and property.
Amid widespread rainfall in the past few days, concerns had emerged about possible floods in several districts. However, the state government has assured that the situation is under control. Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, Chandra Sekhar Padhi, said that although several rivers are witnessing rising water levels, they are still flowing below the danger mark.
Padhi mentioned that the Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Jalaka, and Subarnarekha rivers are carrying increased water due to the rainfall, but unless there is a spell of extremely heavy downpour, there is no imminent threat of flooding. He also confirmed that no embankments have been reported as breached and all vulnerable points are being closely monitored.
The official clarified that the current rainfall has contributed to water accumulation in catchment areas, but the discharge rate remains manageable. The Baitarani river, which often triggers floods in Keonjhar and Bhadrak districts, is yet to reach alarming levels. Similarly, Jalaka and Subarnarekha, prone to flash floods in northern Odisha, are being monitored round the clock.
He further noted that reservoirs across the state have adequate storage capacity, and dam authorities have been directed to regulate water discharge to avoid downstream flooding.
Reiterating the government’s readiness, Padhi said that all field officials of the Water Resources Department have been alerted to maintain constant watch over river embankments and catchment areas. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for emergency situations have been activated, ensuring that officers and disaster management teams are prepared to respond quickly.
District administrations have also been asked to keep relief and rescue materials ready, while the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services teams are on standby in flood-prone districts.
Odisha has often been praised for its robust disaster management mechanisms, particularly in handling cyclones like Fani, Phailin, and Hudhud. The addition of new Doppler radars is expected to further strengthen the state’s ability to make data-driven decisions and issue timely warnings. Experts say this step will reduce dependency on neighbouring states’ radar coverage and enhance localised forecasts for Odisha.
While assuring that there is no immediate flood threat, authorities have appealed to people to stay alert and follow updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Special Relief Commissioner’s office. Fishermen have been particularly advised to avoid venturing into deep seas during spells of bad weather.
Minister Pujari emphasized that accurate forecasting and quick dissemination of information are key to saving lives and minimizing damage. “The upcoming Doppler radar in Bhubaneswar, along with those in Balasore and Sambalpur, will be a milestone in Odisha’s disaster management strategy. It will help us prepare better and respond faster,” he said.
With monsoon rains continuing across Odisha, the government’s reassurance has brought some relief to residents. However, the state machinery remains on high alert. The coming weeks will test Odisha’s preparedness, but with upgraded infrastructure like Doppler radars, the state hopes to face weather challenges with greater confidence and precision.
