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India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) 150thAnniversary

Introduction

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2025. As one of the oldest meteorological institutions in the world, IMD has played a pivotal role in weather forecasting, climate research, and disaster management. Its journey from rudimentary weather observations to leveraging advanced technology like supercomputing and satellites reflects India’s scientific progress and commitment to addressing climate-related challenges.

This eBook explores the history, achievements, and future trajectory of IMD, providing valuable insights for UPSC aspirants in the domains of science and technology, environment, disaster management, and governance.

Historical Overview of IMD

  1. Establishment

    • Founded on January 15, 1875, under British colonial rule to address weather-related concerns for shipping and agriculture.
    • Headquartered in Pune, later shifted to New Delhi.

  2. Early Achievements

    • In 1886, IMD began publishing the Indian Daily Weather Report.
    • Played a crucial role in famine predictions during the late 19th century.

  3. Post-Independence Expansion

    • Focus shifted to national developmental priorities, including agriculture and disaster management.
    • Collaboration with ISRO for satellite-based weather forecasting.

Functions and Mandate of IMD

  1. Weather Forecasting

    • Provides daily, weekly, and seasonal weather updates for the public, farmers, and various sectors.

  2. Disaster Management

    • Issues early warnings for cyclones, floods, heatwaves, and cold waves.
    • Plays a crucial role in minimizing loss of life and property.

  3. Climate Monitoring

    • Monitors long-term climate patterns and trends.
    • Publishes annual reports on monsoon performance and climate variability.

  4. Aviation and Marine Meteorology

    • Offers specialized forecasts for aviation safety and marine navigation.

  5. Agro-Meteorological Services

    • Provides tailored forecasts for farmers under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) program.

  6. Research and Development

    • Conducts research on monsoon dynamics, climate change, and extreme weather events.

IMD's Milestones and Achievements

  • Monsoon Forecasting

    • IMD’s models for predicting the South-West Monsoon have evolved from statistical to dynamic models, enhancing accuracy.
    • Provides crucial data for India’s agriculture-dependent economy.

  • Cyclone Early Warning System

    • Highly accurate cyclone tracking and prediction using satellites like INSAT and SCATSAT.
    • Examples: Accurate warnings during Cyclone Amphan (2020) and Cyclone Fani (2019) minimized casualties.

  • Technological Advancements

    • Mausam App: Provides real-time weather updates.
    • Supercomputing facilities like Mihir and Pratyush for high-resolution climate modeling.

  • Global Collaboration

    • Member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), contributing to global weather research.

  • Urban Meteorology

    • Initiatives to provide city-specific forecasts, air quality monitoring, and heatwave alerts.

Challenges Faced by IMD

  • Accuracy of Predictions

    • Despite advancements, challenges remain in predicting localized weather events with high precision.

  • Climate Change

    • Rapidly changing climate patterns make weather forecasting more complex.
    • Increased frequency of extreme weather events adds pressure on forecasting systems.

  • Technological Gaps

    • Dependence on imported technology for supercomputers and certain meteorological instruments.

  • Infrastructure Limitations

    • Uneven distribution of weather monitoring stations across the country.
    • Need for modernization of older equipment.

  • Public Awareness

    • Low penetration of IMD’s services in rural and remote areas.

Future Roadmap for IMD

  1. Adoption of AI and Big Data

    • Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning for better prediction models.
    • Utilizing big data analytics for real-time forecasting.

  2. Expansion of Observation Networks

    • Increasing the number of automatic weather stations and Doppler radar systems.
    • Enhancing coverage in underserved regions like the North-East and Himalayan areas.

  3. Climate Change Adaptation

    • Developing predictive tools for climate-resilient agriculture.
    • Strengthening research on rising sea levels, glacier melting, and urban heat islands.

  4. Capacity Building

    • Training meteorologists and technicians to handle advanced technologies.
    • Collaborations with universities and research institutions.

  5. Improving Public Access

    • Enhancing mobile and web-based platforms for user-friendly weather updates.
    • Expanding awareness campaigns for rural and marginalized communities.

Significance of IMD's 150th Anniversary

  1. Scientific Milestone

    • Showcases India’s progress in meteorology and its contributions to global climate science.

  2. Strengthening Disaster Resilience

    • Reaffirms IMD’s role in protecting lives and livelihoods through early warning systems.

  3. Focus on Sustainability

    • Highlights the importance of accurate weather and climate predictions in achieving SDG Goals, especially those related to climate action and disaster risk reduction.

  4. Global Leadership

    • Positions India as a leader in weather and climate services, particularly for the Global South.

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

  1. Environment and Disaster Management

    • Understanding IMD’s role in managing natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and droughts.
    • Insights into climate adaptation strategies.

  2. Science and Technology

    • Role of technology in weather forecasting and climate research.
    • Use of satellites, supercomputers, and AI in meteorology.

  3. Governance and Public Policy

    • Policies and programs like GKMS and their impact on vulnerable populations.
    • Role of IMD in achieving sustainable development goals.

  4. Essay Writing

    • Topics like climate change, disaster management, and India’s scientific progress.

Conclusion

The India Meteorological Department’s 150-year journey reflects its pivotal role in supporting India’s development and resilience. As IMD embraces cutting-edge technologies and strengthens global collaborations, it remains a cornerstone of India’s efforts to tackle climate change, ensure food security, and mitigate disasters.

For UPSC aspirants, IMD’s legacy provides a rich case study of science-driven governance and its impact on society. Its progress and future trajectory underline the importance of sustained investment in scientific institutions for national growth and global leadership.

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