VOIWORLD/LAVANYA KUKREJA
In order to maintain India’s abilities to the world’s best standards, ‘Mission Mausam’ an initiative is being taken India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences and Meteorology. These enhancements include Automated Weather Stations (AMS) and 73 Doppler Weather Radars which are to be present in vulnerable regions across the country and be operational by 2025-26 and should expand to 126 radars by 2026. These radars and weather stations provide localized and accurate long range (30 days), short range (3 days), and now cast (3 hour) forecasts. While discussing the unpredictable nature of climatic conditions such as rain. India’s Minister for Earth Sciences and Meteorology Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India’s forecasting tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated and helpful in reducing uncertainties. Under a Rs. 2000 crore plan approved by the Cabinet for Mission Mausam, India is investing in next generation sensors, high performing computers etc. to modernize and improve India’s weather services. As per Dr. Singh, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has become an essential part of the public’s daily routine, especially in cities like Mumbai. However, the accuracy of weather forecasts is not a safeguard to the damage caused by flash floods and extensive rainfall as those depend on geographical and infrastructural weaknesses of the region because two different areas receiving the same amount of rainfall may have different extent of damage according to their terrain, drainage capacity and population density.
