India Meteorological Department to Commission X-Band Doppler Weather Radar in Wayanad by December 2026

Key Facts

• IMD is commissioning an X-Band Doppler Weather Radar in Pulpally, Wayanad, Kerala.
• The radar will offer a coverage radius of about 100 kilometers centered on Pulpally.
• Commissioning expected by end of December 2026, following successful technical and operational acceptance tests.
• Land for the radar has been provided by Pazhassi Raja College; Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has actively supported and coordinated the project.
• The radar will be operated and maintained by trained technical and meteorological personnel of IMD, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• X-Band Doppler radars operate at frequencies roughly between 8-12 GHz (wavelength ~3 cm), suitable for short-range, high-resolution observation of precipitation such as rainfall and cloudburst events.
• Wayanad district, lying in the Western Ghats, is prone to heavy monsoon rainfall, steep slopes, and frequent landslides, notable among them the Meppadi landslide of July 2024 that caused 298 deaths.

Background & Context

Wayanad is located within the Western Ghats mountain range, characterized by steep topography and intense monsoon rains that induce landslides and slope failures. The district has witnessed severe disaster events recently, including the 2024 Meppadi landslide and landslides near the Kozhikode–Wayanad tunnel project in July 2026 which resulted in fatalities.

The region's vulnerability and lack of a localized, high-resolution weather monitoring system prompted the IMD to establish the X-Band Doppler Radar at Pulpally, enhancing real-time observation of weather phenomena and enabling timely warnings to mitigate disaster impacts. Existing Doppler radar infrastructure in Kerala includes an S-Band radar at Kochi and a C-Band radar at Thiruvananthapuram, but these have limited coverage for Wayanad. The new radar fills critical surveillance gaps over Wayanad and adjoining areas.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has played a coordinating role to facilitate this project. The land was allotted by Pazhassi Raja College, enabling a strategic location with minimal radar beam interference.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

• Demonstrates the application of advanced weather radar technologies (X-Band Doppler Radar) in disaster-prone zones, illustrating modernization of meteorological infrastructure.
• Shows inter-agency coordination between central meteorological bodies and state disaster management authorities, an important aspect in disaster governance.
• Relevant to topics on natural disasters management, meteorological science advancements, and regional vulnerabilities in the Western Ghats.
• Highlights government initiatives under Ministry of Earth Sciences and institutional roles — crucial for current affairs and environment-related questions.
• Includes key data such as the radar's technical capabilities, coverage range, commissioning timeline (December 2026), and location, which can be asked in prelims and mains.

Points to Remember

• X-Band Doppler Weather Radar operates at higher microwave frequencies (8-12 GHz) with ~3 cm wavelength, providing short-range (~100 km), high-resolution weather observation.
• The radar will be centered in Pulpally, Wayanad — a region with frequent heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslide risks.
• It strengthens Kerala’s Doppler radar network, complementing existing S-Band radar at Kochi and C-Band radar at Thiruvananthapuram.
• The project is supported by Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and utilizes land leased from Pazhassi Raja College for 30 years.
• Commissioning is slated for December 2026 after final infrastructure installation and acceptance testing.
• Enables improved forecasts and early warnings to support disaster management agencies and local administrations, potentially reducing loss of life and economic damage.
• Reflects government focus on improving weather resilience in ecologically sensitive, disaster-prone Western Ghats regions.