IMD Launches Dedicated Weather Forecast System for Sabarimala Pilgrimage

Thiruvananthapuram: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced a localised wear forecasting system, similar to those for Amarnath and Char Dham yatras for Sabarimala pilgrimage.

IMD Launches Wear Forecast System for Sabarimala 

IMD officials announced on Thursday that its regional centre has installed three rain gauges at Sannidhanam, Pamba, and Nilakkal to issue three-day wear forecasts. se forecasts will soon be upgred to real-time wear bulletins, known as "nowcasts," said IMD regional director Neetha K Gopal.

Recognising challenges posed by rising temperatures and high humidity during dry spells, IMD also plans to install temperature gauges in area.

initiative follows a request from Pathanamthitta district ministration, which sought real-time wear updates for Sabarimala due to region’s susceptibility to extreme rainfall.

Recent landslides in Wayan have furr emphasised need for caution in sensitive areas.

Authorities revealed that while IMD initially considered setting up Automatic Wear Stations (AWS) at Sabarimala, y opted for rain gauges to expedite process. Plans for a permanent wear monitoring facility in area are under consideration.

"This is first time we are providing localised wear forecasts for Sabarimala, akin to our services for Amarnath and Char Dham yatras," Gopal said.

She noted that effort is a collaboration between Pathanamthitta district ministration and IMD.

IMD staff have trained district ministration personnel to collect data from gauges, which are validated at IMD centre. However, Gopal emphasised that offering district-wide forecasts would require a "larger network and substantial manpower." Currently, State Disaster Management Authority is disseminating wear updates to public. ditionally, efforts are underway to integrate wear bulletins into "Swamy AI Chat Bot" app, recently launched by state government for Sabarimala pilgrims.

This app, available in six languages, provides pilgrims with assistance and information. Once integrated, wear updates will be easily accessible to users.

path to Sannidhanam from Pamba, featuring small streams and Pamba River, remains a focus of safety measures. Severe flooding during 2018 deluge devastated area, washing away several pilgrim facilitation centres. 

With PTI Inputs