The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has requested the Odisha government to allocate land for the installation of six additional High Wind Speed Recorders (HWSRs) along the state's coastal belt. This initiative aims to capture extreme wind speeds, particularly during cyclones, and enhance the accuracy of cyclone-related observations, according to Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD Bhubaneswar.
Expansion of HWSR Network
Once the new instruments are installed, Odisha will have a total of 12 HWSRs distributed across six coastal districts: Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Balasore. The expanded network is expected to strengthen real-time monitoring during severe weather events and provide more reliable ground data from cyclone-affected areas.
Importance of Precise Wind-Speed Data
Mohanty emphasized that the recorders will generate precise wind-speed data, which can be used to validate forecasts and support scientific analysis. Such measurements are crucial when cyclones make landfall, as wind intensity can vary significantly over short distances. The data will also contribute to research and post-event assessment, helping agencies understand storm behavior and refine future warning systems.
Technical Specifications and Infrastructure
The HWSRs are designed to withstand super cyclone conditions, including wind speeds exceeding 221 kmph. IMD's focus is on placing these devices near the coast to ensure they capture peak winds during landfall and coastal impact. Mohanty also highlighted existing forecasting infrastructure in Odisha, including Doppler weather radars at Gopalpur and Paradip.
Current Observation Capacity
IMD continues to strengthen its observation capacity through upgrades and new installations. According to a recent reply by Union Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh in the Lok Sabha, Odisha currently has 39 manned surface observatories, 29 automatic weather stations, 136 automated rain gauge stations, and current weather observation systems at four airports.
Additional Facilities and Future Plans
IMD Bhubaneswar also operates a flood meteorological office round the clock, along with a cyclone warning centre. Under Mission Mausam, additional Doppler radars are planned for Sambalpur and Balasore, with new radars also proposed for Bhubaneswar and Puri, as stated in the minister's reply.
