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Rs1.6 Billion for Pakistan's Weather Watch
5 Jul
Summary
- Pakistan allocates Rs1.6 billion for weather forecasting and disaster preparedness.
- Funds will upgrade weather radar and improve forecasting accuracy systems.
- Government aims for climate resilience amid rising disaster risks.
Pakistan has earmarked Rs1.6 billion for the Meteorological Department for fiscal year 2026-27, aiming to significantly enhance its weather forecasting and disaster preparedness capabilities. This allocation, detailed in the Annual Plan 2026-27, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen climate resilience across the nation.
The allocated funds will support critical projects, including Rs344 million for a National Centre for Rainfall Enhancement to boost water security and agricultural productivity. Additionally, weather surveillance radar projects in Multan and Sukkur will receive Rs195 million and Rs5 million, respectively, to improve real-time monitoring and early warning systems.
A substantial Rs1 billion has been dedicated to modernizing Pakistan's Hydromet Services. This initiative aims to upgrade essential infrastructure, refine forecasting accuracy, and reinforce climate data systems. These measures are crucial given Pakistan's increasing vulnerability to climate-related disasters, which have historically caused significant human and economic losses.
The government is also promoting climate-smart agriculture, efficient water management, and green industrialization. Despite these allocations, concerns have been raised about overall budget reductions in climate-related programs compared to previous fiscal cycles, highlighting the ongoing challenges in adequately addressing escalating climate risks.
