THE Power Ministry on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the implementation of an early warning system (EWS) for vulnerable hydro projects or power stations.

The Ministry and the DRDO will jointly work towards developing suitable mitigation measures against avalanches, landslides, glaciers, glacial lakes and other geo-hazards, an official release said. The expertise of the DRDO will also be utilised in developing comprehensive Early Warning System for vulnerable hydro projects/ power stations in hilly regions. Power Secretary Dr. Samir V Kamat, the Defence Secretary and the Chairman of DRDO signed the MoU.

The broad understanding developed through this MoU would help formulate separate and specific tasks between DRDO & respective project developers. The Ministry has taken the initiative of implementing Early Warning System (EWS) in the hydro power projects especially those located in upper reaches of hilly regions.

The EWS is an integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication and preparedness for timely action to reduce disaster risks in advance of hazardous events.

The Ministry has already signed MoUs with CSIR-NGRI, IMD, WIHG and NRSC-ISRO for implementation of EWS.