Centennial Recognition for Srinagar Meteorology Centre

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of a Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu during a landmark event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The announcement signifies a major step toward improving weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience in the Jammu & Kashmir region.

The event also highlighted IMD’s remarkable journey from its establishment in 1875 to becoming a global leader in meteorological services, providing critical weather data for sectors like agriculture, aviation, defense, and disaster management. Dr. Singh emphasized India’s growing leadership in climate action, driven by advancements in meteorological infrastructure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key Highlights of the Announcements

Establishment of Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu

• Announced by Dr. Jitendra Singh at IMD’s 150th anniversary event in Jammu.
• Aims to cater to the unique geographical and climatic challenges of the Jammu region.
• Will enhance disaster preparedness and improve weather forecasting services across Jammu & Kashmir.
• Expected to replicate the success of the Srinagar Meteorology Centre, now recognized as a Centennial Centre by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

IMD’s Journey and Contribution

• Established in 1875, IMD has grown into a globally recognized institution.
• Provides critical weather data for various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, defense, and disaster management.
• Technological advancements since 2014 have improved forecast accuracy by over 40%.
• Credibility and accuracy of IMD forecasts have led to increased trust among citizens.

Technological Advancements in Meteorological Infrastructure

• Under PM Modi’s leadership, IMD’s infrastructure has expanded significantly.
• Jammu & Kashmir now has double the number of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) compared to a decade ago.
• X-band Radars have been installed in Jammu, Srinagar, Manihal, and Leh, improving weather predictions for critical events like the Amarnath Yatra and Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.

Mission Mausam – 2000 Crore Initiative

• Mission Mausam was launched during Modi government’s third term (Modi 3.0).
• Budget of ₹2,000 crore for the mission, running from 2024 to 2026.
• Focuses on making India “weather-ready and climate-smart” by enhancing forecasting tools and outreach programs.
• Aims to position India as a global hub for meteorological services and disaster preparedness by 2047.

Collaborations with Educational Institutions

• Dr. Singh announced upcoming MoUs between the Srinagar Meteorology Centre and institutions like,
• University of Jammu
• Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)
• Islamic University of Science and Technology, Avantipura
• These collaborations will promote research and innovation in meteorological sciences, fostering a new generation of weather experts.

Growing Relevance of IMD’s Services

• IMD’s services have become indispensable for citizens in daily life.
• Provides agricultural advisories to farmers and weather updates for aviation and defense personnel in challenging terrains.
• Real-time alerts are disseminated via SMS and WhatsApp, reaching millions of people.
• IMD forecasts are trusted for planning significant life events, such as weddings.

India’s Leadership in Climate Action

• India leads the world in achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted in 2015 under the Paris Agreement.
• India has already achieved 200 GW of clean energy capacity and is on track to meet the 500 GW target by 2030.
• IMD’s advancements in space, land, and sea technologies have contributed to mitigating natural disasters like cyclones, flash floods, and avalanches.

Upcoming 150th Anniversary Celebrations in Delhi

• The event will culminate on January 15, 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest.
• The grand event will honor IMD’s legacy and unveil its strategic roadmap for the future.