(Phnom Penh): The Ministry of External Affairs of India, represented by the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology of the Royal Government of Cambodia for the implementation of a Quick Impact Project (QIP) titled “Enhancing Weather and Climate Monitoring Capacity in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.” On Monday (Feb. 2).

The MoU was signed by Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Bun Hean, Secretary of State, Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, in the presence of Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, senior officials of the Ministry, and representatives of the Embassy of India.

Under the project, two state-of-the-art Automatic Weather Stations will be installed, one in Puok District and another in Siem Reap town along with lightning detection sensors and comprehensive technical training for Cambodian meteorological personnel. The initiative aims to strengthen real-time weather and climate monitoring, enhance early warning systems, and improve disaster preparedness in the province.

As home to the Angkor Wat complex and a major tourism hub, Siem Reap is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Improved meteorological data and lightning risk monitoring will enhance safety for local communities, farmers, and visitors, while contributing to the protection of Cambodia’s invaluable cultural heritage. The project also supports Cambodia’s national objective of achieving district-level weather observation coverage.

Cambodia remains a valued partner under India’s Act East Policy and the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation framework. India implements 10 Quick Impact Projects annually in Cambodia across priority sectors including education, health, women’s empowerment, sanitation, agriculture, and climate resilience. To date, 68 QIPs have been sanctioned, with 49 successfully completed and 19 currently under implementation, all aligned with priorities identified by the Royal Government of Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS