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SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has received funding approval from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under its RESPOND Programme for a major research project titled “Development of Nowcasting Tool for Extreme Weather Events (Thunderstorms and Cloud Burst) Using Surface and Satellite Measurements Over Orographically Complex Region of India.”
The project will be led by Dr. Sandeep Samantaray, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, as the Principal Investigator (PI), along with Dr. Deepak Kumar Naik, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, as the Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI).
The project has been sanctioned for a duration of thirty-six months with a total funding of ₹26,25,676 (Rupees Twenty-Six Lakh Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Six only).
The funding has been approved by ISRO under its RESPOND Programme, which supports collaborative research in areas of national importance related to space science and applications.
The project aims to develop an advanced nowcasting framework for predicting extreme weather events such as thunderstorms and cloudbursts, particularly over mountainous regions like the Himalayas.
By integrating surface-based measurements with satellite data, the study seeks to improve short-term weather forecasting and strengthen early warning systems for disaster management agencies.
Nowcasting refers to short-term forecasting, typically within a few hours, and plays a crucial role in minimizing loss of life and property during severe weather events. The research is expected to enhance the country’s capacity to respond to the increasing frequency of such weather extremes driven by climate variability.
In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, congratulated the investigators and said the project is a proud moment for the institute. The initiative reflects NIT Srinagar’s growing role in addressing national challenges through advanced research, he said.
“This ISRO-funded project will enhance our scientific capabilities and contribute to improving community resilience in vulnerable regions,” Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod said.
Registrar NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman also appreciated the research team for securing ISRO funding. He said that receiving funding of over ₹26 lakh is a significant achievement for the institute.
“It demonstrates the quality of research being undertaken at NIT Srinagar and will encourage further interdisciplinary collaboration across departments,” he added. PI Dr Sandeep Samantaray said his project holds national significance as it contributes to developing real-time forecasting tools for disaster preparedness and supports India’s mission to strengthen resilience against extreme weather events and climate-induced disasters.
He also expressed gratitude to the ISRO for this funding and further stated that his research group is currently working on multiple central funded projects focused entirely on development of Jammu & Kashmir, with the combined value of these initiatives amounting to INR 1.32 crore.
