The Ministry of Earth Sciences has taken up a mega plan, Mission Mausam, or an Integrated Weather and Climate Information Service, to make the country a “Weather-Ready, Climate-Smart” nation, with an estimated outlay of Rs 2,000 crore. Cleared by the Union Cabinet on September 11, the program will be implemented from 2024 to 2026. The program is expected to transform India’s approach to weather observation, forecasting, and climate management.
Unparalleled Effort for India: The Mission Mausam initiative, announced during a national press briefing at Prithvi Bhavan, New Delhi, was launched by Secretary, MoES Dr. M. Ravichandran in the presence of key officials including Dr. Mritunjay Mohapatra, Director General, India Meteorological Department (IMD); and Dr. V.S. Prasad, Head, National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).
Its immediate mission is to drastically improve the accuracy of both weather and climate data while improving the nation’s capability for dealing with extreme weather events. It will adopt an integrated approach, focusing on next-generation technologies such as next-generation radar, advanced satellites, and high-performance computing for a holistic weather management system that would enable various sectors of activities, from agriculture to urban planning.
Key Objectives of Mission Mausam
The Initiative shall focus on the following:
Advanced Weather Surveillance: Developing Next Generation Weather Observation Systems to Enhance Spatial and Temporal Coverage, Making Use of New Radars, Satellites, and Sensor Networks High Resolution Forecasting: High Performance Computing and AI/ML Based Models for Enhancement of Weather Prediction Accuracy Better Representation of the Earth System Models by Integrating Next-Generation Numerical Models with Physics, Coupled with AI for Improved Understanding of Climate and Weather Advanced Weather Management Technologies for Being Incorporated through Next Generation DWR, Wind Profiler, and Radiometers.
Capacity Building and Data Dissemination: This would involve developing and implementing contemporary dissemination platforms and systems for easy access to weather data and forecasts by the public and stakeholders.
National Infrastructure Development
Mission Mausam proposes the establishment of a dense network of weather observation stations throughout the country, including:
:50 Doppler Weather Radars
:60 Radio Sonde/Radio Wind Stations
:100 Disdrometers
:10 Wind Profilers
:25 Radiometers
Urban and Process Testbeds
Marine Automatic Weather Stations with upper air observation facility
These infrastructural developments will provide better quality air and weather forecasting data that help the nation build capacities to respond to climate change as well as improve disaster resilience.
Long-term Impacts
According to Dr. Ravichandran, Mission Mausam would greatly improve both short- and long-term weather and climate forecasts. “By March 2026, India will have a dense network of radars and observation stations so that no weather system goes undetected. This enhanced data assimilation through AI/ML and its innovations in atmospheric science will have more reliable forecasts,” he explained.
In addition, the initiative is expected to ensure realisation of economic and social benefits through better-informed decisions to many different sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, and urban development.
Operating Institutions
The program will be implemented by the IMD and NCMRWF in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, along with the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, National Institute of Ocean Technology, and international collaborators.
Conclusion
Mission Mausam is the latest big step toward making India a climate-smart nation. The Rs 2,000 crore mission will upgrade the country’s weather forecasting network to build resilience against extreme weather events and contribute towards a sustainable future. As India gears up to face the oncoming challenges of climate change, Mission Mausam could mean both scientific advancements in the field and practical solutions toward a resilient nation.
Watch this space for more updates on this game-changing project that will reshape the weather and climate management scenario in India.
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