The Doppler radar — which reached the city three weeks ago — is manufactured by Bharat Electronics Ltd. The indigenous radar is larger than the Chinese version, though it is much cheaper.
After the China-made Doppler radar was rejected for security reasons, the Indian Meterological Department (IMD) has decided to purchase indigenous Doppler radars. Chief minister Ashok Chavan is trying hard to get it installed before monsoon.
The Doppler radar — which reached the city three weeks ago — is manufactured by Bharat Electronics Ltd. The indigenous radar is larger than the Chinese version, though it is much cheaper. As the radar is bigger in size, the design of the installation had to be changed. According to the officials, though the site of the installation is same, the variation in the size has delayed the process of installation. Efforts are underway to complete the installation before the monsoon.
The Chinese radar had arrived last April and its installation had begun atop Archana building in Navy Nagar, Colaba. Technical experts associated with the company manufacturing the radar were supposed to visit the site to offer their expertise. However, in view of estranged relations between India and China, security concerns were raised since Navy Nagar is a highly sensitive area.
“There was skepticism after gadgets were given as gifts to (Indian) defence officers when they were visiting their counterparts in China. Allowing (Chinese) scientists to enter the highly sensitive area of Navy Nagar was thus out of question. Finally the radar was sent back to Delhi last November,” an official related to meteorological work told DNA.
The indigenous radar was supposed to be installed in Kochi. But the state government lobbied hard with the prime minister’s office pointing out the urgency for the radar in Mumbai. The China-made radar — which costs Rs12 crore — may be installed in some other part of the country, the official said. M Ramesh Kumar, additional chief secretary, relief and rehabilitation department, said, “The installation work is on and we are hopeful that the radar will be installed and commissioned before monsoon. Chief minister Ashok Chavan has written a letter to the central government to expedite the work.”
The idea of installation of the Doppler radar was first mooted after a deluge hit the city on 26th July, 2005.
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