NEW DELHI, Jan 14: “Over the past decade, weather-related installations in the country have more than doubled, and the accuracy of weather forecasts and early warning systems has improved by 50 percent since 2014, when the Modi government took office,” stated Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh during the 150th Foundation Day celebration of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at Bharat Mandapam today.
Among the attendees was Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Updating the audience, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted, “Prior to 2014, there were only 15 radar stations nationwide; today, we have increased that number to 39. The count of Automated Weather Stations has surged from 700 to 1,500, more than doubling since 2014. Likewise, the number of Balloon Radiosondes has risen from 33 in 2014 to 56 today.”
He also shed light on recent initiatives like “Nowcast,” which offers weather forecasts up to three hours in advance. This service, initially limited to 120 cities before 2014, has now expanded to include 1,200 cities.
Reflecting on IMD’s 150-year journey since its establishment in 1875 and especially in the last decade, Dr. Singh highlighted the department’s accomplishments. He emphasized that IMD operates within a synergistic ecosystem combining space, sea, and land installations.
The Minister further discussed the Extended Forecast introduced in 2017, which is released every Thursday and predicts weather conditions for the subsequent two weeks. He pointed out the broader impact of IMD’s services, stating that average rainfall forecasting is now tailored for specific regions rather than the entire country.
Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked that Doppler weather radars are now deployed in all major cities across India. He reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to improving citizens’ lives through technology and innovation, recalling that ₹50,000 crore has been allocated for innovation via the Anusandhan National Research Fund (NRF). He also highlighted the establishment of the Space Startup Viability Fund, with a corpus of ₹1,000 crore. These initiatives, he noted, extend beyond weather forecasting to critical sectors such as agriculture, water resource management, disaster risk reduction, and defense, providing numerous benefits to society.
Hailing from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Singh also mentioned that the Regional IMD Centre in Srinagar, which has received global acknowledgment, is commemorating its 100-year anniversary. He asserted that under Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership, India is shifting its focus from merely predicting daily weather to understanding the implications of weather events in the forthcoming days. He expressed confidence that India is set to become a global leader in weather forecasting capabilities.
During the foundation day festivities, Ms. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO, commended IMD’s progress as a testament to India’s dedication to weather forecasting. She emphasized how IMD has upheld its legacy with commitment, adopting technological innovation and demonstrating resilience in adapting to rapid climate and weather changes. She highlighted the socio-economic benefits of these services and their diverse impacts.
Ms. Saulo also underscored the necessity of investing in hydrological and meteorological services for the future. She honored Smt. Amma Mani, an esteemed Indian meteorologist who joined IMD in 1948 and rose to become the Deputy Director-General of the Indian Meteorological Department.
In the wake of the celebration, a National Stakeholder Workshop covering various sectors will be conducted on January 15, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Another highlight will be the Tableau for Republic Day 2025, themed Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas.
