Weather forecasting for yatra goes hi-tech

For weather forecast during the Amarnath Yatra, hi-tech equipments are being installed at various points along the routes to the shrine.

To identify the suitable places for installing theequipment, Director General Indian Meteorological Department KJ Ramesh, iscurrently on a visit to the Valley.

   

Greater Kashmir learnt that Ramesh and Director MeT J&KSonam Lotus left for Baltal route in Ganderbal district along with otherofficials.

On Wednesday evening, the officials are scheduled to visitPahalgam route.

“The hi-tech weather system will be in place a day beforethe yatra begins,” an official said.

These equipment, he said, are in addition to the AutomaticWeather Stations (AWS) that are set up every year at Chandanwari, Sheshnag,Panjtarni, the Holy Cave and Baltal during the yatra period.

“In case of any erratic or bad weather we will be informingthe Shrine Board so that they could take timely decisions to stop the movementof pilgrims if that becomes necessary,” the official said.

Besides, the officer added, weather related SMSs would becirculated among all officers connected with yatra arrangements, informing themabout sector-wise weather forecast, like in Jammu-Banihal sector orBanihal-Srinagar sector. 

“We will ensure that all pilgrims must undertake pilgrimunder safe weather conditions,” he said.

The Amarnath Yatra attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year whovisit the holy cave during July-August. The cave is located at an altitude of3,888m in Anantnag district.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)standards for hydro-meteorological purposes, one weather station is recommendedfor an area of 100 sq km in topographically complex mountainous regions likethe Himalayas.

However, there are only seven weather stations in the entireValley and six in Jammu region.

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