New Delhi, Sept 13: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) held a press conference at Prithvi Bhavan, New Delhi, to introduce Mission Mausam, an ambitious initiative approved by the Union Cabinet on September 11, 2024, with a budget of ₹2,000 crore over two years. The mission aims to enhance India’s weather and climate observation, forecasting, and preparedness, making the country more resilient to climate change and extreme weather.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of MoES, along with Dr. Mritunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and Dr. V.S. Prasad, Head of the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), outlined the mission’s goals to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and climate data.
Mission Mausam’s Key Goals:
– Develop cutting-edge weather surveillance systems and advanced satellites.
– Expand atmospheric observations with better coverage and accuracy.
– Use high-performance computing and AI/ML for data-driven weather prediction.
– Strengthen capacity building and ensure improved data delivery to citizens.
The mission will establish key infrastructure, including 50 Doppler Weather Radars, 60 Radio Sonde/Radio Wind stations, and various other weather observation tools. These improvements will enhance forecasts, help manage extreme weather events, and provide crucial data for decision-making.
By 2026, India will have a stronger network for weather observations and forecasting, integrating advanced technology to improve predictions. Dr. Ravichandran emphasized that Mission Mausam will also expand data dissemination and improve services for various sectors, benefiting citizens and stakeholders.
IMD, NCMRWF, and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology will lead the implementation of Mission Mausam, supported by other MoES institutions and international collaborators, establishing India as a leader in weather and climate services.
