Uncertainty looms over weather-warning system

Mumbai: Two years after the 26/7 deluge crippled Mumbai, the plan to install the Doppler radar — a state-of-the-art weather warning system that can predict torrential rains and cyclones — has yet to take off only due to lack of space.
Worse still, Mumbai’s wait for the sophisticated system may be longer than expected. The plan, thus far, remains on paper with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) denying the permission to install Doppler on its plot of land at Juhu, a western suburb.
“The AAI denied the permission due to a technical problem that it would face if Doppler were installed in their premises,” said Dr C.V.V. Bhadram, Deputy Director General of the Metrological department. While Doppler needs unobstructed view for accurate prediction, the highrise structures dotting the city can impede choice of a site for installation of the system, he explained.
With AAI refusing permission, two new sites have been short listed for installing the Doppler. While one is at Andheri West, the other is at Navy Nagar in Colaba.
Besides selection of site, there are other stumbling blocks in installing the Doppler radar. After selection of the venue, the Central government will need to kickstart the process for procuring the radar as an order needs to be placed for importing the system.
19/04/07 Sanjeev Shivadekar/Hindustan Times

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Categories: Airports Apr 2007, Safety Apr 2007