MUMBAIKARS looking for some respite from erratic rainfall predictions as experienced on 26/7, are in for a disappointment. Reason: The much-awaited installation of a Doppler Radar for accurate weather forecast continues to be stalled for one reason or the other. Though there have been many rounds of intense discussions, the IMD has been unable to identify a suitable area for the installation. Since a large area is required for the radar to be set up, it has become an uphill task to get a clear stretch. After much dilly-dallying, the Maharashtra Government had identified a plot of land in Juhu area where the radar was to have been installed. Since the area did not match the technical specifications mandatory for the installation this plot of land was not considered. Now the department has decided to install the same at Colaba. Therefore, this monsoon too the existing system of weather forecast will be utilised, said sources in the weather bureau. It will take yet another year for the Doppler Radar to be installed, said Yunus Khan, director of the Project. "I know the project has been delayed. But this year the work can be started only after the monsoons. It is not possible to install the system during the monsoons. Hopefully after September the work of installation will be started. It is expected to be completed in the three to four months post September." "Now, the Doppler Radar will be installed at Colaba near RC Church," said Khan. Though, Mumbai's existing cyclone detection radars have a range of 400 kilometres they cannot predict intense rainfall expected in a short period. A Doppler Radar can give an accurate weather forecast over a 24-hour cycle. While the current system updates information every three hours, the radar can give an update every minute and it can cover the whole of Maharashtra and Gujarat. After this new technique is installed, it will help the city to predict weather forecast more accurately and faster. It can scan an area of 384-km radius and can help predict rainfall intensity and where a thunderstorm will hit Images from non-Doppler Radar only show location and rate of precipitation. Doppler data indicates movement of precipitation within a storm for signs of dangerous weather conditions. FACT-FILE **A Doppler Radar can give an accurate weather forecast over a 24-hour cycle. **It can scan an area of 384-km radius and can help predict rainfall intensity and where a thunderstorm will hit **After this new technique is installed it will help the city to predict weather forecast more accurately and faster.