SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 17: Partnerships
Institutions: Ministry of Earth Sciences | Ministry of Science & Technology
On 26 September 2025, the CSIR – Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched an indigenous “Sound Radar” (SODAR) system in New Delhi to improve short-term weather forecasts. The system, designed by CSIR-AMPRI, was inaugurated on CSIR Foundation Day and accompanied by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions to expand collaboration on climate research, forecasting, and disaster preparedness.
The SODAR facility will allow scientists to track wind patterns, turbulence, and temperature shifts in the lower atmosphere more accurately, strengthening IMD’s capacity to deliver timely warnings for agriculture, water management, and extreme weather events. Sharing of SODAR data across locations will also support validation and nationwide forecasting models.
Developing and deploying an indigenous SODAR reduces India’s dependence on imported climate technologies, aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change, and enhances resilience planning in key sectors.
What is SODAR? → SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging) is an acoustic remote-sensing technology that uses sound waves to profile the atmosphere. It helps meteorologists predict local weather conditions and issue quicker, more accurate warnings.
What is CSIR? → The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is India’s premier publicly funded R&D organisation under the Ministry of Science & Technology. With 37 national laboratories (including AMPRI, NPL, NAL, etc.), CSIR works across science, engineering, health, materials, and industry to drive innovation, technology development, and knowledge transfer for national priorities.
What is AMPRI? → The Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute is a CSIR laboratory in Bhopal that develops advanced materials, eco-friendly technologies, and climate adaptation tools to support India’s industry and sustainability goals.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
Could scaling up indigenous SODAR systems nationwide transform India’s disaster preparedness and agricultural planning through more precise local forecasts?
Follow the full news here: PIB Release 2172158