NEW DELHI, Jan 14 : “In the last 10 years, the weather related installations in the country increased to more than double while there has been a 50 percent increase in the accuracy of weather forecast and early warning systems since 2014 when the Modi Govt took over,” said Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh at the 150th Foundation Day celebration of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at Bharat Mandapam, here today.
The event was, among others, graced by Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Sharing the current status, Dr Jitendra Singh said, “Before 2014, the number of radar stations across the country was just 15; today, we have successfully installed more than double to make it 39 radars. The number of Automated Weather Stations has grown from 700 to 1,500, more than double the number since2014. Additionally, the number of Balloon Radiosondes was just 33 in 2014, now it has increased to 56.”
The Minister also highlighted some recent initiatives, such as “Nowcast”, which provides weather forecasts up to three hours ahead. Initially limited to 120 cities before 2014, it has now been extended to 1,200 cities.
Tracing IMD’s journey over the last 150 years since its inception in 1875, and particularly in the past decade, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the department’s achievements. He noted that IMD works in a synergized ecosystem with space, sea, and land installations.
The Earth Sciences Minister also mentioned the Extended Forecast, introduced in 2017, which is issued every Thursday and provides weather predictions for the next two weeks. He noted the larger impact of IMD’s services, mentioning that average rainfall forecasting, once done for the entire country, is now region-specific.
Dr Jitendra Singh further shared that Doppler weather radars are now installed in all major cities across India. Reiterating the government’s unwavering support and commitment to ease the lives of citizens through technology and innovation, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled that the government has allocated ₹50,000 crore for innovation through the Anusandhan National Research Fund (NRF). He also pointed out the establishment of the Space Startup Viability Fund with a corpus of ₹1,000 crore. These efforts, he said, are not limited to weather forecasting but extend to crucial sectors such as agriculture, water resources management, disaster risk reduction, and defense, offering multifold benefits to society.
Dr. Singh, who hails from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, also shared that the Regional IMD Centre in Srinagar, which has garnered global recognition, is celebrating its centenary year. He reaffirmed that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is no longer focused on simply predicting the weather for tomorrow but is concentrating on understanding the impact of weather events for the coming days. He expressed confidence that India is poised to emerge as a global leader in weather forecasting capabilities.
Speaking at the foundation day celebration, Ms. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO, praised IMD’s journey as a testament to India’s commitment to weather forecasting. She highlighted how IMD has maintained its legacy with dedication, embracing technological innovation and resilience in adapting to fast-paced changes in climate and weather. She emphasized the socio-economic impact of these services and their multifaceted benefits.
Ms. Saulo also stressed the importance of investment in hydrological and meteorological services for the future. She paid tribute to Smt. Amma Mani, an Indian meteorologist who joined IMD in 1948 and worked her way up to become the Deputy Director-General of the Indian Meteorological Department.
Following the celebration, a National Stakeholder Workshop covering various sectors will be organized on January 15, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Another highlight of the celebration will be the Tableau for Republic Day 2025, themed Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas.
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