BENGALURU
Repeated spells of intense rain and gusty winds have exposed a major gap in Bengaluru’s disaster preparedness—the absence of a dedicated Doppler weather radar for real-time, hyperlocal forecasting.
The issue came into sharp focus after the April 29 downpour, when heavy rain intensified within minutes, flooding several areas and catching authorities off guard. Experts say a Doppler radar system could provide a crucial lead time of one to three hours, enabling better emergency response and damage control.
Although the India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert that evening, the sudden escalation left little time for agencies to act. Despite repeated demands and approval from the Union government, installation of a radar system in Bengaluru has been delayed due to logistical hurdles.
A site atop Nandi Hills was finalised in 2025 after prolonged discussions. However, challenges in transporting heavy equipment to the hilltop have stalled progress. Officials say the narrow entry to the hill, restricted by fort structures, cannot accommodate large machinery such as cranes and earthmovers required for installation.
IMD authorities have sought government support to airlift equipment, but the proposal is yet to be acted upon. “We are awaiting intervention to move forward,” an official said.
Weather experts warn that the delay has already cost the city an opportunity to host Karnataka’s first Doppler radar, with Mangaluru commissioning one ahead of Bengaluru. Dharwad is also close to setting up a similar system, further highlighting the capital’s lag in adopting advanced forecasting infrastructure.
With climate variability increasing and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, stakeholders stress the urgent need for a technology-driven forecasting system. Faster implementation, they say, is critical to safeguarding lives, reducing economic losses and improving the city’s overall resilience to sudden weather changes.