Question : S-band Doppler Weather Radar

(a) the status of repairing work on the S-band Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) Chennai that was handed over to ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) for normal operation under the supervision of ISTRAC;

(b) whether the work has commenced for manufacturing and installation of parts and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any report was conducted or is available with the Ministry, ISRO or ISTRAC for analysing the issues with the DWR and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken by the Ministry to support the State Governments in setting up better infrastructure and developing the infrastructure and technology available at regional centres and along with the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
AND EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) In connection with the repair of S-Band Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) of Chennai, work order for undertaking the Slew Ring Bearing (SRB) replacement has been issued by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to an agency on 20.04.2022. The agency has removed and taken the old SRB on 13.05.2022 to cross-verify with the newly fabricated SRB.

(b) The SRB fabrication work is nearing completion. Subsequently, shipping, testing and installation work is to be carried out by the firm.

(c) DWR-network Fault monitoring details are available online. The same can be accessed through the link https://ddgmui.imd.gov.in/radar/newRadarStatusLiveReport1.php.

(d) The Tamilnadu State Disaster Management authorities visited IMD Headquarters on 22nd April 2022 and had discussions with DGM, IMD and other senior officials regarding their proposal for augmenting IMD’s observational network and other infrastructural facilities for the State. Further, DGM, IMD has constituted three teams of scientists for providing guidance regarding technical specifications, budgetary quotes, finalization of proposals, procurement, installation etc. to support the State’s initiatives.