The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has established a Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed (C-ART) at Andhra University, located in Visakhapatnam.
This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, marks a major milestone under the government’s Mission Mausam, aimed at enhancing weather observation networks and improving predictive models.
Inauguration & Key Highlights
The open-field meteorological observatory under C-ART was inaugurated by M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The event was attended by key dignitaries including:
- G. P. Raja Sekhar (Vice-Chancellor, Andhra University)
- A. Suryachandra Rao (Director, IITM)
What is C-ART?
The Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed (C-ART) is an advanced research facility designed to:
- Conduct continuous atmospheric observations in coastal regions
- Study monsoon dynamics and weather systems
- Improve numerical weather prediction (NWP) models
- Strengthen early warning systems for cyclones and extreme weather
It will act as a national-level research platform, enabling collaboration between scientific institutions and universities.
Advanced Instruments Installed
The testbed is equipped with cutting-edge meteorological instruments, including:
- Impact Disdrometer & 2D Video Disdrometer (2DVD) – for rainfall microphysics
- Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) – for real-time weather data
- 3D-Printed AWS (3D-PAWS) – innovative low-cost monitoring systems
- Eddy Covariance Tower – for studying heat and energy flux
These instruments have already recorded data from the first thundershower observed on the day of inauguration.
Significance of the Initiative
The C-ART facility is expected to:
- Improve accuracy of weather forecasts, especially in coastal regions
- Enhance cyclone prediction and disaster preparedness
- Support data-driven policy and climate research
- Strengthen India’s scientific infrastructure in meteorology
By enabling high-resolution atmospheric observations, the initiative will play a crucial role in understanding monsoon behaviour, extreme weather events, and climate variability.
About IITM
- IITM an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
- Established: In 1962
- Director: Dr. A. Suryachandra Rao (current).
- Parent Body: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India.
- Nickname: IITMians.
Conclusion
The establishment of C-ART at Andhra University reflects India’s growing focus on technology-driven weather forecasting and climate resilience. With advanced instruments and collaborative research, this facility is set to significantly boost the country’s capability in early warning systems and disaster management, especially along vulnerable coastal regions.