C‑ART Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed launched at Andhra University (Visakhapatnam)

What: Open‑field observatory of Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed (C‑ART) inaugurated under Mission Mausam; cost ~Rs 180 crore; first on east coast (Bay of Bengal) complementing testbeds at Bhopal, Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar.

Focus: Improve observations, numerical weather prediction and early warnings for cyclones and extreme weather; instruments include eddy covariance tower, remote sensing, in‑situ systems.

Significance: Strengthens coastal weather forecasting and disaster preparedness for cyclone‑prone east coast.

UPSC relevance: Meteorology policy, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience.

Practice Q: Explain the role of coastal observatories in improving cyclone forecasting and community safety.