Met department director R K Bakliwal told Express Newsline from Ahmedabad that his department had recently been informed about the snags and he had decided to send a team for the purpose. He, however, denied information about the exact number of the non-functional machines. He said the CWDSs were useful during the pre-monsoon season, when atmospheric disturbances were likely.

The hi-tech machine, functional at as many as 19 districts in Gujarat and 11 in Maharashtra for more than three years, was connected with INSAT (satellite) and would blow a siren immediately on receiving a message. The main centres were, however, set up in Mumbai, Calcutta and Madras, he said. Meanwhile, senior officials of the district collectorate alleged that the equipment here has been lying non-functional since the past two years and despite repeated reminders, no expert had been sent from Ahmedabad. Bakliwal, however, assured action in fortnight or two.