Sambalpur: In a major step to provide accurate information on weather systems and strengthen disaster preparedness, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a new state-of-the-art Doppler weather radar station at Jamadarpali in Sambalpur on Wednesday.
Held through virtual mode, the inauguration ceremony witnessed participation from Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Rajya Sabha MP Manmohan Samal, local MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, and OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.
Built through a collaborative effort between the IMD and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), the new radar station fills a crucial geographical gap. While Paradip and Gopalpur radars primarily served coastal regions, the Sambalpur facility will anchor forecasting operations for western and interior Odisha. The advanced radar will provide precise tracking for thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, squall lines, depressions, and cyclones.
Officials said the five-storey radar centre houses a state-of-the-art C-band Doppler weather radar. With an operational range of around 250 km radius.
Over 10-12 districts, including Sambalpur, Boudh, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Nuapada, Balangir, and Kandhamala, are expected to directly benefit from the enhanced tracking capabilities. The installation will significantly aid in the security and water management of the Hirakud Dam reservoir, while also boosting navigational safety for the Jharsuguda Airport.
The radar will enable the authorities to closely monitor weather systems and provide early and more accurate information about lightning, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and storms. Such information is expected to help the administration improve preparedness and disaster response.
The facility will also be useful for monitoring rainfall in the catchment area of the Hirakud reservoir. Accurate rainfall estimates can help authorities assess inflows into the reservoir and improve water management and flood-control measures.
Originally conceptualised in 2015–2016 with land identified at Jamadarpali, the construction had stalled and remained incomplete for nearly seven years, with the designated building becoming an abandoned structure before receiving a renewed push and final completion.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra thanked both the state and central governments for their cooperation in setting up the radar facility.
