Wayanad Gets X-Band Radar for Landslide Warnings

Why in the News?

After deadly floods and landslides in July 2024, Wayanad’s installation of an X-band radar aims to enhance early warnings for landslides and monitor weather conditions in real-time

Wayanad Gets X-Band Radar for Landslide Warnings

What is an X-Band Radar and Doppler Radar?

  • Radar Functionality: Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) uses radio waves to detect object distance, velocity, and characteristics.
  • Doppler Radar: Measures weather conditions, tracking cloud movements and rainfall intensity through the Doppler effect.
  • X-Band Radar: Operates at 8-12 GHz, capturing higher resolution images of small particles like rain droplets or soil but has a shorter range.

Why Does Wayanad Need an X-Band Radar?

  • Landslide Risk: Wayanad faces landslides and floods due to heavy rainfall; X-band radar will monitor soil movement and provide early landslide warnings.
  • High Temporal Sampling: The radar rapidly scans its surroundings to detect small changes in particle movements, helping in real-time monitoring.

India’s Efforts in Expanding Radar Infrastructure:

  • India’s Radar History: The first indigenously made X-band radar was installed in New Delhi in India is expanding its radar network, with S-band radars used for long-range detection.
  • Future Plans: The Indian government is set to install 56 additional Doppler radars under the ₹2,000-crore ‘Mission Mausam’ by 2026, with 10 X-band radars for Northeast India and Himachal Pradesh.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times