Sambalpur inaugurates new Doppler weather radar station

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art C-band Doppler weather radar station at Jamadarpali in Sambalpur. Developed through a collaboration between the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), the facility aims to strengthen weather monitoring and disaster preparedness in western and interior Odisha.

The five-storey radar centre has an operational radius of approximately 250 km, which is expected to benefit 10 to 12 districts, including Sambalpur, Boudh, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Nuapada, Balangir, and Kandhamala. This installation fills a geographical gap, as previous radar coverage in Paradip and Gopalpur primarily served coastal regions.

The advanced technology will provide precise tracking for thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, lightning, hailstorms, squall lines, depressions, and cyclones. Additionally, the radar will assist in monitoring rainfall within the Hirakud reservoir catchment area to improve water management and flood control, while also enhancing navigational safety for Jharsuguda Airport.