Isro to set up 9 automatic weather stations in B'lore

This is a unique project undertaken for the first time to study urban climatology, said Deputy Director of Atmospheric Science Programme, ISRO, Dr B Manikiam. “The low-cost when compared to existing manual observatory stations in the City and the highly reliable data they can provide are the biggest plus points,” he said.

The stations will record readings pertaining to pressure, temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind and sunlight. “The data will be transmitted to ISRO through our INSAT satellite. We will share the information with IMD,” Dr Manikiam added. 

Each station will be set up at a cost of Rs 2 lakh and the whole project will be completed in a month’s time. The Hyderabad-based Astra Microwave Limited will supply the parts and install them at the locations selected by the City’s IMD. (see box). 

There are 750 such automatic weather stations all over the country, with Bangalore having only one at the premises of IMD.  The three stations which presently monitor rainfall figures in Bangalore--IMD at Palace Road, HAL observatory and Yelahanka observatory--are largely manually operated.

“IMD’s automatic station will be included in the ISRO project when it gets completed,” said its Director-in-charge, Dr A Muthuchamy.

“The Earth is getting warmer and the City’s climate is changing dramatically with every year. These stations will help us clearly understand the causatory factors,” Dr Muthuchamy added.

 Rainfall figures keep varying in each area in the City and readings are presently available only at three points. “These stations will help us with a better analysis of overall rainfall as it will contribute to a denser network by giving figures from nine other parts.” The readings are also expected to be more accurate, he added. A study of thunderstorm activity in the City can also be made.

On the components that will constitute the station, he said that a transmitting tower, rain guage station, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, equipment to track wind speed and direction will constitute the station.

On other developments at the IMD, the Director said that a high speed computing machine had been provided to the City office as part of the Rs 2,000 crore modernisation project undertaken by the Centre at met offices  all over the country.

Identified locations

The only automatic weather station in the City at the premises of the Indian Meteorological Department on Palace Road. Now, nine more will be set up in following locations.

* Survey of India office, Koramangala

* GKVK Agricultural College, Yelahanka

* HAL Airport

* R V College, Jayanagar

* NICE office, Mysore Road

* NICE office, Electronic City

* NICE office, Hosakerahalli

* Taj Kutteera, Hessarghatta

* Bangalore University, Mysore Road side