KATRA: As a part of upgrading infrastructure and forecast services, a modern state of art Automatic Weather Observing System (AWOS) has been installed at Sanji Chhat near Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine which would provide current weather of the Sanji Chhat helipad to the aviators through an Automated Information System.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS in Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Space and Atomic Energy inaugurated the said AWOS at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra on Sunday.
The newly installed system is designed to operate unattended, in harsh weather conditions and can sustain its operation on specially designed solar power unit. The transmission from the system can be received by any helicopter within a range of 50 kms.
Dr. Jitendra lauded the efforts of the Indian Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India for establishing the second Automatic Weather Observing System at Sanji Chat after Juhu Heliport Mumbai for the benefit of the pilots in getting the exact standard weather information for the safe take off and landing of the aircraft.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Laxman Singh Rathore, Director General of Meteorology said that the AWOS at Sanji Chhat would go a long way in facilitating the safe pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India extended gratitude to the Indian Meteorological Department and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for installing the AWOS at Sanji Chhat and was hopeful that the same would be quite beneficial to the pilots and the visiting pilgrims to the Shrine.
S.S Singh, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Regional Meteorological Centre, New Delhi also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of Automatic Weather Observing System.
It is worthwhile to mention here that the system has been commissioned at a time when the helicopters are playing a crucial role in relief and rescue operations in the entire J and K State which is reeling under unprecedented flood situation. This system would not only be beneficial for helicopters operating at Sanji Chhat but also for the helicopters operated by Indian Army, BSF, IAF from nearby airbases.
Amongst others who were present on the occasion included Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA Reasi, Shantmanu, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, M.K Pandita, In-charge Indian Meteorological Department, Jammu and other senior officers.
The function ended with a vote of thanks presented by S.S Singh, Deputy Director General of Meteorology Regional Meteorological Centre, New Delhi.