Bengaluru: Heavy rain and winds in and around the city have time and again exposed a critical gap in its preparedness — the absence of a Doppler weather radar. The record rain on April 29, which intensified within minutes and left several areas flooded, once again highlighted how the lack of a real-time, hyperlocal forecasting system continues to leave the city vulnerable to weather surprises.Despite witnessing back-to-back extreme weather events across seasons in recent years — triggering flash floods and causing losses running into several crores — Bengaluru, the country’s tech capital, still lacks a dedicated Doppler radar that can provide real-time alerts on sudden weather events. Meteorologists argue that such a system could offer a lead time of 1-3 hours, potentially reducing damage and enabling quicker emergency response. The orange alert issued by IMD at 5.15pm on April 29 was followed by intense rainfall within minutes, leaving little room for the district administration or GBA to respond effectively.Although Union govt has sanctioned a Doppler radar for Bengaluru after years of demand, delays in finalising a suitable site have stalled its installation. After nearly two years of deliberations, state govt selected a site atop Nandi Hills in 2025. However, logistical challenges have since hindered progress, with IMD awaiting a govt intervention for nearly six months.“The state govt allocated a small plot atop Nandi Hills located in front of Children’s Park. But the construction of the base for the radar has met with logistical issues. The top portion of the hillock is secured by a fort and has a narrow entrance that allows entry of vehicles of up to 12ft height. However, earthmoving equipment and boom cranes measuring 40 metres in length are unable to pass through the gate and reach the top. We have requested govt to help us in airlifting the machines and parts. Govt officials have assured us of providing alternatives, and we are yet to hear from them,” said an IMD official.Weather enthusiasts tracking the issue say the prolonged delay has already cost the city dear. “Bengaluru lost the opportunity to host Karnataka’s first Doppler radar, with Mangaluru going ahead and commissioning the advanced system, leaving the capital city dependent on distant observations. Now, Dharwad is also nearing the commissioning of a similar radar system. It is high time the govt realised the importance of a tech-driven forecast system and facilitated speedy installation of radar.”
