IMD develops technology to assess rise of water level in rivers, reservoirs by rain

NEW DELHI: A new technology has been developed to assess the rise of water level in rivers and reservoirs by rain and can help state governments to minutely monitor the impact of rainfall, IMD chief K J Ramesh said, in the aftermath of the deadliest deluge in Kerala.

The technology called the ‘Impact Based Forecasting Approach’ which shows “pre-event scenario” can help authorities in taking real-time decisions, he said.

“We should be able to generate a scenario where we can take decisions to release water or not release it. It will be helpful for every state authority to take decision. We can run this system in pre-event scenario. We are now in a position to use to this technology into service,” Ramesh said at an event organised by the Centre for Science and Environment.

The heavy downpour that ravaged Kerala for a fortnight ending August 21 caused death of around 500 people and economic damages worth over Rs 40,000 crore.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in the State Assembly that there were “lapses” on the part of the IMD’s rain forecast. (AGENCIES)