Kishtwar to Get Automatic Weather Station, Seismology Centre: Jitendra Singh | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday announced that an automatic weather station and a seismology centre will be established in Chisoti village of Kishtwar district, which was devastated by a cloudburst in August 2025 that claimed 65 lives, mostly pilgrims, and left more than 30 people missing.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening weather forecasting capabilities and improving disaster preparedness in the vulnerable mountainous region, particularly around the Machail Mata pilgrimage route where the tragedy occurred.

Singh said the project would be taken up on a priority basis as the district administration has already cleared the required land. He said he had recently spoken to the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, who confirmed that the land had been approved, enabling the project to move forward without delay.

Referring to the August 14, 2025 disaster in Chisoti, the Union Minister said the loss of life continues to be a matter of concern and has underlined the need for stronger early-warning systems in the region.

He said the proposal had been pursued actively without waiting for prolonged procedural formalities, stressing that coordinated efforts had helped expedite the process. The identification of land, he added, marks a key step towards the establishment of the facilities.

Officials said the upcoming installations are expected to enhance real-time weather monitoring and seismic data collection in one of the most disaster-prone areas of Jammu and Kashmir, improving response mechanisms for future emergencies.