New Delhi, Jan 14: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrated its 150th Foundation Day at Bharat Mandapam with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in attendance. The event showcased IMD’s significant advancements over the years, particularly since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the department’s rapid progress in weather forecasting accuracy, infrastructure, and early warning systems. “In the last 10 years, the weather-related installations in the country have more than doubled, and the accuracy of forecasts has increased by 50 percent since 2014,” said the Minister.
Highlighting infrastructure growth, Dr. Singh noted that radar stations have increased from 15 in 2014 to 39, automated weather stations have more than doubled from 700 to 1,500, and balloon radiosonde facilities have risen from 33 to 56. He also lauded innovations like the “Nowcast” system, which provides three-hour weather forecasts, initially covering 120 cities but now extended to 1,200 cities.
The Minister traced IMD’s 150-year journey since its inception in 1875, noting its transformation into a globally recognized institution. He underscored its synergy with space, sea, and land-based systems, highlighting initiatives such as the Extended Forecast introduced in 2017, which offers two-week predictions issued every Thursday.
Dr. Singh, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, shared that the Regional IMD Centre in Srinagar is celebrating its centenary year. He reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefits, mentioning the ₹50,000 crore allocation to the Anusandhan National Research Fund (NRF) and a ₹1,000 crore Space Startup Viability Fund. These initiatives, he said, benefit critical sectors like agriculture, disaster risk management, and defense.
Praising IMD’s legacy, Ms. Celeste Saulo of WMO commended its resilience and adaptability amid changing climate dynamics. “IMD’s commitment to innovation and its socio-economic impact have made it a global leader in weather services,” she remarked. She also highlighted the contributions of Smt. Amma Mani, a pioneering Indian meteorologist who rose to become IMD’s Deputy Director-General.
The celebrations will continue with a National Stakeholder Workshop on January 15, 2025, addressing advancements across sectors. Additionally, IMD will showcase its Tableau, themed Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas, during the Republic Day Parade 2025, reflecting its enduring legacy and vision for the future.
Dr. Singh concluded with confidence in India’s emergence as a global leader in weather forecasting, focusing not just on predicting tomorrow’s weather but on understanding its impact in the days ahead.
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