J&K's Chisoti Village to Get Weather Station, Seismology Centre After Tragic Cloudburst

Jammu, June 5: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Friday announced that an automatic weather station and a seismology centre will be established in the cloudburst-hit Chisoti area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, aimed at improving weather forecasting and strengthening disaster preparedness in the region.

The announcement comes nearly ten months after the devastating cloudburst that struck Chisoti village on August 14, 2025, killing at least 65 people, most of them pilgrims travelling to the revered Machail Mata temple. More than 30 people remain missing following the disaster.

Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Singh said the project would be implemented soon as the district administration has already identified and approved the land required for setting up the facilities.

"Following last year's disaster in Chisoti, an automatic weather station and a seismology centre will be established at the site," the minister said.

Land Identified for the Project

Singh stated that he had recently spoken with the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, who confirmed that suitable land had already been allotted for the proposed infrastructure.

"I spoke to the Deputy Commissioner only yesterday. He informed me that the land has been approved, allowing us to move ahead with the project," Singh said.

According to the minister, the Centre actively pursued the initiative to ensure timely implementation instead of waiting for lengthy administrative procedures.

Focus on Disaster Preparedness

The installation of an automatic weather station is expected to improve real-time monitoring of weather conditions in the mountainous region, while the proposed seismology centre will enhance the area's capacity to track geological activity and strengthen early warning systems.

The Chisoti tragedy renewed concerns over the vulnerability of pilgrimage routes and remote Himalayan regions to extreme weather events, particularly cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods.

Singh said the project reflects the government's commitment to preventing future disasters through improved forecasting and scientific monitoring infrastructure.

"Such initiatives move forward when pursued with dedication and professional follow-up. We did not wait for formalities but ensured continuous coordination so that the project could advance without delay," he said.

The proposed facilities are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing disaster risk reduction measures in Kishtwar and surrounding areas, which frequently face weather-related challenges due to their difficult terrain and fragile ecology.