Bengaluru: Heavy rain and winds in and around the city have repeatedly exposed a critical gap in its preparedness — the absence of a Doppler weather radar. The record rainfall on April 29, which intensified within minutes and left several areas flooded, once again highlighted how the lack of a real-time, hyperlocal forecasting system continues to leave the city vulnerable to weather surprises.
Extreme Weather Events Expose Gaps
Despite witnessing back-to-back extreme weather events across seasons in recent years — triggering flash floods and causing losses running into several crores — Bengaluru, the country's tech capital, still lacks a dedicated Doppler radar that can provide real-time alerts on sudden weather events. Meteorologists argue that such a system could offer a lead time of one to three hours, potentially reducing damage and enabling quicker emergency response. The orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at 5:15 pm on April 29 was followed by intense rainfall within minutes, leaving little room for the district administration or the Bengaluru civic body to respond effectively.
Delays in Radar Installation
Although the Union government has sanctioned a Doppler radar for Bengaluru after years of demand, delays in finalising a suitable site have stalled its installation. After nearly two years of deliberations, the state government selected a site atop Nandi Hills in 2025. However, logistical challenges have since hindered progress, with IMD awaiting government intervention for nearly six months.
An IMD official explained: “The state government allocated a small plot atop Nandi Hills located in front of Children's Park. But the construction of the base for the radar has met with logistical issues. The top portion of the hillock is secured by a fort and has a narrow entrance that allows entry of vehicles of up to 12 feet in height. However, earthmoving equipment and boom cranes measuring 40 metres in length are unable to pass through the gate and reach the top. We have requested the government to help us in airlifting the machines and parts. Government officials have assured us of providing alternatives, and we are yet to hear from them.”
Cost of Delay
Weather enthusiasts tracking the issue say the prolonged delay has already cost the city dearly. “Bengaluru lost the opportunity to host Karnataka's first Doppler radar, with Mangaluru going ahead and commissioning the advanced system, leaving the capital city dependent on distant observations. Now, Dharwad is also nearing the commissioning of a similar radar system. It is high time the government realised the importance of a tech-driven forecast system and facilitated speedy installation of the radar,” said a weather enthusiast.
The absence of a Doppler radar has left Bengaluru vulnerable to flash floods and other extreme weather events, with no hyperlocal warnings to help residents and authorities prepare. As climate change increases the frequency of such events, the need for a dedicated radar becomes even more critical.
