In a major leap forward for meteorological accuracy and disaster preparedness, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a state-of-the-art Doppler weather radar station at Jamadarpali in Sambalpur.
Held via virtual mode, the inauguration ceremony witnessed participation from Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Rajya Sabha MP Manmohan Samal, local MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, and OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.
Built through a collaborative effort between the IMD and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), the new radar station fills a crucial geographical gap. While Paradip and Gopalpur radars primarily served coastal regions, the Sambalpur facility will anchor forecasting operations for western and interior Odisha. The advanced radar will provide precise tracking for thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, squall lines, depressions, and cyclones.
Approximately 10 to 12 districts—including Sambalpur, Boudh, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Nuapada, Balangir, and Kandhamala—are expected to directly benefit from the enhanced tracking capabilities. Additionally, the installation will significantly aid in the security and water management of the Hirakud Dam reservoir, while also boosting navigational safety for the Jharsuguda Airport.
The commissioning marks the triumphant completion of a project that faced years of administrative hurdles. Originally conceptualised in 2015–2016 with land identified at Jamadarpali, the construction had stalled and remained incomplete for nearly seven years, with the designated building becoming an abandoned structure before receiving a renewed push and final completion.
