Patna: In a move aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness in Bihar, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced plans to install advanced Doppler weather radars in the districts of Champaran and Bhagalpur. The initiative is designed to improve early warning systems in a state that faces recurring floods, cyclones and deadly lightning strikes each year.
The announcement was made in Patna by Nilesh M Desai, director of the Space Applications Centre, an ISRO unit responsible for applying space technology to societal needs. Desai said the new radar systems would significantly enhance the accuracy and speed of weather forecasting, enabling authorities to issue alerts one to two hours before potential lightning strikes. Bihar records hundreds of deaths annually due to lightning, making timely warnings critical for saving lives.
North Bihar’s flood-prone districts are expected to benefit in particular. Heavy rainfall in neighbouring Nepal often leads to a sudden rise in river levels downstream. With Doppler radars in place, officials say the state administration will receive quicker and more precise data, allowing relief and rescue teams to prepare in advance and potentially reduce casualties and property damage.
Desai added that ISRO and the Bihar Meteorological Service Centre have been working together on the project for the past three years. The installation of the radars marks a significant step in consolidating that partnership and strengthening the state’s disaster response infrastructure.
The application of space-based technology will extend beyond weather forecasting. Satellite data is also expected to assist authorities in monitoring crowd movement during large public gatherings and festivals, helping to prevent accidents and manage risks more effectively. Officials said the project is focused not on global competition but on using advanced technology to safeguard lives and support sustainable development in Bihar.
