The Metereological department could have been able to predict the unprecedented heavy rains that lashed Mumbai last month, if it had a doplar radar, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Ocean Development, Kapil Sibal said in Nagpur on Saturday.

"There is no doplar radar in Mumbai or for that matter in the western part of the country, while four have been installed in eastern part against a requirement of total 27 such technology," Sibal told reporters during an informal chat.

Describing the magnitude of the weather condition in Mumbai, he said the dark rain bearing clouds were at a height of 14 km, which is abnormal and against the usual height of three kms.

"The doplar radar could have predicted rains atleast three hours before and if attached to a super-computer, this prediction could have been made around 12 hours in advance," Sibal said.

The meteorological department is not equipped with automatic rain gauging system and other facilities, he said, adding that his department was all set to provide necessary facilities.
Earlier, he visited the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute and exhorted scientists to work for benefit of comman man.

Also see: Maharashtra rains