Himachal CM Sukhu Meets Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Weather, Lavender, Observatory
Himachal CM Sukhu met Union Minister Jitendra Singh to discuss weather early-warning systems, lavender cultivation expansion, and a possible high-altitude observatory in Spiti.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi on [date not specified] to discuss a range of science and technology initiatives for the state. The talks focused on strengthening weather observation and early-warning systems, expanding lavender cultivation under the CSIR Aroma Mission, and exploring a high-altitude sky observatory in Spiti.
Sukhu thanked the central government for supporting five Doppler Weather Radars for Himachal Pradesh. The state currently operates three such radars at Kufri, Jot, and Murari Devi, with two more planned for Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. Site selection for the new radars is underway, though beam blockage poses technical challenges.
The existing IMD network in Himachal includes 28 Automatic Weather Stations, 64 Automatic Rain Gauges, and 84 Daily Rainfall Monitoring Stations. The proposed expansion adds 20 Automatic Weather Stations, 24 Automatic Rain Gauges, 21 Automatic Snow Gauges, and one Radio Sonde/Radio Wind system. The minister stressed the need for adequate early-warning systems given the state's mountainous terrain and vulnerability to extreme weather.
Discussions also covered Mausamgram, the IMD's Gram Panchayat-level weather forecast service, which provides location-specific information to help farmers and residents make daily decisions.
On lavender, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the success of the CSIR Aroma Mission. Under Phase III, CSIR-IIIM Jammu has extended cultivation to Upper Bhamla in Mandi district, where 20,000 cuttings have been planted and about 150 farmers are involved. Initial trials have succeeded, and more area is proposed for this season. Distillation units are planned under Phase IV. The minister noted similar expansion in Nagaland, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh, linking cultivation to industry and value addition.
The meeting also explored a high-altitude sky observatory in Spiti, in consultation with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The facility would support scientific studies, student education, and astro-tourism, with smaller telescopes for tourists. A detailed proposal from the institute is expected.
Issues related to the Himachal Pradesh State cadre were also discussed, though no final decisions were made on cadre strength or restructuring. Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant and senior officials attended the meeting.