Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Jan 28: Panic prevailed among locals after a strange object bearing foreign markings was found in an agricultural field near the post office at Puthila village in the taluk. Later, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) clarified that the object was a GPS-based instrument released daily for upper-air wind observation.

The department explained that this GPS-based instrument is released every day around 4.30 am from the Mangaluru Doppler Weather Radar Centre using a hydrogen gas-filled weather balloon. The device collects data on upper-air temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed and other atmospheric parameters. Such data is crucial for aviation, military operations and atmospheric launch activities.

After completing its observation cycle, the instrument usually descends and may land either in the Arabian Sea or on land. On Saturday, it fell in an agricultural field and had a sticker reading ‘Malaysian Met Department’. The department clarified that the instrument is imported and retains the original sticker, but its entire operation and responsibility are handled by the IMD.

IMD staff arrived to collect the device found in Puthila after scientific assistant Karan Singh informed the department.

“The IMD has stated that the public need not panic as the device is harmless. It contains only a battery, sensors and GPS equipment. However, if the balloon reaches a leaking stage, people are advised to stay away from it. Even if similar instruments are found again, there is no need to be afraid as they do not pose any danger and are used purely for scientific purposes,” said Sajeev R, Scientist, IMD, Mangaluru division.