Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Pune have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)!

Pimpri-Chinchwad: To exchange information regarding changing weather patterns, pollution management, early warnings for natural disasters and their impacts, and mitigation strategies, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have signed an MoU. This agreement will play a crucial role in effectively addressing various challenges posed by climate change.

An advanced X-band Doppler weather radar will be installed at Durga Devi Hill in Nigdi to monitor signs of climate change. The site was inspected by Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Chief Scientist of IMD Pune, Dr. K.S. Hosalikar. Other officials present included Additional Commissioner Chandrakant Indalkar, Assistant City Engineer Manoj Sethia, Chief Security Officer Uday Jarande, Chief Disaster Management Officer Omprakash Bahival, Assistant Commissioner Umesh Dhakne, Special Officer Kiran Gaikwad, Garden Superintendent Yogesh Walunj, and IMD scientists Uday Shende, Dr. Shijo Zakaria, and Ashwin Raju D.K.

With climate change accelerating globally, the occurrence of natural and human-made disasters is increasing. The agreement will be vital for implementing structural measures to mitigate climate-related disasters and ensure the sustainable development of the city. Commissioner Singh emphasized that the MoU would be important for exchanging weather and environmental data for better planning and disaster preparedness.

The “X-band Doppler Weather Radar” is an advanced indigenous system with a coverage area of approximately 100 kilometers, including Pimpri-Chinchwad, the entire Pune district, hilly areas, and surrounding regions. It will provide real-time monitoring of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, storms, and hailstorms, helping the municipality make informed decisions for disaster management. Dr. K.S. Hosalikar highlighted that valuable information on environmental factors affecting Pimpri-Chinchwad will be regularly provided to the Municipal Corporation.