Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet approved a mission to upgrade the capabilities of India’s weather department in forecasting, modelling and dissemination. Mission Mausam will have a budget of ₹2,000 crore for the first two years of its implementation.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About Mission Mausam (Objectives, Key Focus Areas, Institutions Involved, Benefits, Conclusion)

About Mission Mausam:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the ambitious Mission Mausam with an outlay of ₹2,000 crore over two years.
• This initiative, led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aims to revolutionize India's capabilities in weather and climate science, research, and services.

Objectives of Mission Mausam:

• The key objectives of the mission include:
  • Improving Weather Prediction Accuracy: By utilizing advanced technologies, Mission Mausam aims to provide highly accurate and timely weather and climate forecasts.
  • Strengthening Climate Resilience: The mission will equip various stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, to better tackle extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change.
  • Broadening Capacity in Weather Sciences: Through research and development, the mission will strengthen India's capability in atmospheric sciences, including weather modelling, forecasting, and surveillance.

Key Focus Areas:

• Mission Mausam will focus on several critical areas that impact India’s economy and public safety:
  • Monsoon Forecasts: Enhanced predictions for the monsoon season, critical for agriculture and water management.
  • Air Quality Alerts: Providing accurate air quality forecasts to help manage pollution.
  • Extreme Weather Events: Timely alerts for cyclones, floods, and other extreme weather conditions.
  • Weather Interventions: Techniques for managing fog, hail, and rain to minimize disruptions in daily life and business activities.

Technological Advancements Under Mission Mausam:

• Mission Mausam will leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance India's weather forecasting systems:
  • Advanced Observation Systems: The mission will deploy next-generation radars, satellite systems, and sensors to capture real-time data.
  • High-Performance Computing: Supercomputers will be integrated into the system to process vast amounts of data efficiently.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML technologies will be used to predict weather patterns with higher precision.
  • Earth System Models: Improved models will help forecast a variety of weather conditions, including monsoon patterns, cyclones, and extreme weather events.
  • GIS-Based Automated Decision Support Systems: These systems will provide real-time data dissemination and alerts.

Sectors Benefiting from Mission Mausam:

• The mission will have a widespread impact across multiple sectors in India, including:
  • Agriculture: Accurate weather forecasts will help farmers plan crop cycles and reduce losses due to unpredictable weather.
  • Disaster Management: Early warnings and accurate predictions will enhance disaster preparedness and reduce the impact of natural calamities.
  • Defence and Aviation: Real-time weather data will support operations in defense and aviation by ensuring safer travel and military operations.
  • Environment and Health: Better environmental monitoring will contribute to sustainable development, while improved air quality forecasts will protect public health.
  • Transport and Energy: Weather forecasts will aid urban planning, road transport, offshore operations, and energy production, especially in renewable sectors like wind and solar power.

Implementing Institutions:

• Mission Mausam will be spearheaded by three key institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences:
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD): Responsible for daily weather forecasts and warnings.
  • Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM): Engaged in tropical weather and climate research.
  • National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF): Specializes in medium-range weather forecasting.
• These institutions will be supported by other MoES bodies such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).

Conclusion:

Mission Mausam is a transformative step towards strengthening India’s weather and climate resilience. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and international collaborations, it will enhance the country’s ability to manage extreme weather events, making India a global leader in climate sciences.

Through this initiative, various sectors of the Indian economy will benefit from more accurate and reliable weather data, driving better decision-making and planning for a sustainable future.