Despite monsoon onset, 2 of 3 Doppler radars defunct

Capital falls short in accurate forecasting

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

Despite almost a fortnight elapsing since the onset of monsoon in Delhi, two of the Capital's three Doppler weather radars (DWRs), used to track clouds and predict rain, are not functional, officials said.

Delhi has three DWRs, at Palam, Lodhi Road, and Ayanagar, of ranges 400km, 250km, and 100km, respectively. DWRs at Lodhi Road and Ayanagar have been out of operation for over a month now, making forecasts reliant on the remaining radar at Palam.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this to routine maintenance, but added that the Doppler at Ayanagar is likely to be made operational soon.