In a landmark event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced the establishment of a new Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu. This initiative is set to bolster meteorological services in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing disaster preparedness and climate resilience across the region.
Dr. Singh praised IMD for its exceptional contributions to India’s scientific advancements and its rise as a global leader in meteorological services. Reflecting on IMD’s journey since its inception in 1875, he highlighted how the department has evolved into a vital institution providing crucial weather data for sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, aviation, and defense. “IMD’s forecasts, renowned for their credibility and accuracy, have empowered citizens to make informed decisions,” he stated.
The Minister further acknowledged the historical significance of the Srinagar Meteorology Centre, recognized as a Centennial Centre by the World Meteorological Organization, and expressed confidence that the new Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu would replicate its success. The new centre will address the unique geographical and climatic challenges of the Jammu region, helping IMD fulfill its mission of delivering timely and accurate weather forecasts nationwide.
Dr. Singh highlighted the technological advancements made by IMD since 2014, particularly the integration of space, land, and sea technologies that have significantly improved forecasting accuracy by over 40%. ‘This technological leap has been instrumental in mitigating the impacts of cyclones, flash floods, and other natural disasters,’ he said.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, IMD has considerably expanded its infrastructure. Jammu and Kashmir, for instance, now boasts double the number of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) compared to a decade ago. The installation of advanced X-band Radars in Jammu, Srinagar, Manihal, and Leh has further strengthened the region’s weather prediction capabilities, ensuring accurate forecasts for critical events like the Amarnath Yatra and Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
The Minister also outlined the government’s ambitious Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore initiative launched during the first 100 days of Modi’s third term. Spanning from 2024 to 2026, this mission aims to make India ‘weather-ready and climate-smart.’ It focuses on improving forecasting tools and outreach to equip citizens and stakeholders with actionable climate insights. By 2047, the mission envisions India as a global hub for meteorological services and disaster preparedness.
Dr. Singh announced that MoUs would soon be signed between the Srinagar Meteorology Centre and prestigious institutions like the University of Jammu, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), and Islamic University of Science and Technology, Avantipura. These collaborations will foster research and innovation in meteorological sciences and train the next generation of weather experts.
He also noted IMD’s increasing role in the daily lives of citizens, from providing agricultural advisories to farmers to offering critical weather updates for defense personnel. Through its SMS and WhatsApp-based alerts, IMD has ensured real-time information dissemination, which has become indispensable for millions across the country.
The celebrations for IMD’s 150th anniversary will culminate in a grand event in Delhi on January 15, 2025, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest. The event will honor IMD’s rich legacy and unveil its strategic roadmap for the future.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we must continue to work towards a future where India leads the world in meteorological expertise, ensuring safety, sustainability, and prosperity for all,” Dr. Singh concluded.
The announcement of the Regional Meteorological Centre for Jammu is a significant step towards reinforcing scientific infrastructure in India, empowering citizens with reliable weather services, and enhancing the country’s disaster management capabilities.
