Mumbai: BMC Installs 60 Additional AWS, Providing Micro-Level Weather Data

Mumbai, 1st April 2024: The BMC has completed the installation of 60 additional automatic weather stations (AWS) across the city, bringing the total number of stations to 120. These stations will monitor rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction, providing residents with real-time weather updates.

The collected data will be accessible on the civic disaster management portal and will be updated every 15 minutes, aiding residents in planning their activities, especially during the monsoon season. Previously, the city had 60 AWS installed at civic ward offices or fire brigade stations, which were connected to a central server located at the BMC’s Worli data centre.

The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) recommended the installation of 97 additional AWS for accurate local rainfall data. However, due to cost and security concerns, the civic authority opted to install only 60. Installation commenced at various locations, including schools, residential societies, and hospitals.

By December 2023, 43 AWS had been installed, with the remaining 17 set up over the past three months. Each AWS installation costs up to Rs 7 lakh, with the contractor responsible for maintaining the AWS and the disaster management portal for three years.

Several AWS have been installed at key locations such as the municipal school on Gokhale Road at Dadar (West), Khar Danda pumping station, Versova in Andheri (West), and Pratiksha Nagar school in Jogeshwari (West). These stations will provide citizens with micro-level weather information.

Furthermore, the rainfall data collected through AWS will enable the BMC to issue timely warnings and strategically prepare for and respond to heavy rainfall events. Citizens can access the gathered information on dm.mcgm.gov.in, facilitating informed decision-making during adverse weather conditions.