Himachal CM Meets Jitendra Singh on Weather, Lavender
Discussions focus on early-warning systems, Aroma Mission expansion and a high-altitude sky observatory in Spiti
- CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu discussed strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s weather early-warning network.
- Five Doppler Weather Radars are planned for the state, including two in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
- Lavender cultivation under the CSIR Aroma Mission is expanding in Mandi district.
- A high-altitude sky observatory in Spiti is being explored for science, students and astro-tourism.
GG News Bureau
Shimla, 10th Sept: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday and discussed issues including weather forecasting, lavender cultivation, astro-tourism and state cadre matters.
Sukhu thanked the Modi government for supporting five Doppler Weather Radars for Himachal Pradesh and discussed further strengthening the state’s weather observation and early-warning capabilities. Dr Jitendra Singh stressed the need for an adequate warning system considering the state’s mountainous terrain and vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Himachal Pradesh currently has three Doppler Weather Radars at Kufri, Jot and Murari Devi, while two more are in the pipeline—one each in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. Site selection for the proposed radars is being examined, with technical challenges including beam blockage being considered.
The state’s existing India Meteorological Department network includes 28 Automatic Weather Stations, 64 Automatic Rain Gauges and 84 Daily Rainfall Monitoring Stations. The proposed expansion includes 20 additional Automatic Weather Stations, 24 Automatic Rain Gauges, 21 Automatic Snow Gauges and one Radio Sonde/Radio Wind system.
The meeting also discussed Mausamgram, the IMD’s Gram Panchayat-level weather forecasting service designed to provide localised weather information for everyday decision-making, including by farmers.
Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed the expansion of lavender cultivation under the CSIR Aroma Mission in Himachal Pradesh. Under Phase III, CSIR-IIIM Jammu has extended lavender cultivation to Upper Bhamla in Baldwara tehsil of Mandi district, where 20,000 lavender cuttings have been planted with around 150 farmers associated with the initiative.
The initial trials have been successful, and additional areas are proposed to be brought under cultivation this season. Distillation units are also proposed for farmers under Phase IV of the Aroma Mission.
The Minister noted that the lavender model is also being expanded beyond Jammu and Kashmir to states including Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh, with emphasis on connecting cultivation with industry and value addition.
The possibility of establishing a high-altitude sky observatory in Spiti was another key issue discussed. The proposal is being explored in consultation with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, taking advantage of the region’s high altitude and favourable conditions for astronomical observations.
The proposed facility could combine scientific research and student activities with telescope-based stargazing opportunities for tourists, opening up prospects for astro-tourism. A detailed proposal from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics is expected to take the initiative forward.
The meeting also covered issues concerning the Himachal Pradesh State cadre, including matters arising from the cadre review process. Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant and senior state officials were present.
