Mission Mausam

Context:

The Prime Minister launched ‘Mission Mausam’ on the occasion of the 150th Foundation Day of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Along with this, the IMD Vision-2047 document was also released which is based on the strategic framework for weather resilience and climate change adaptation. 

Facts related to Mission Mausam:

• Announcement: By the Union Cabinet in September 2024
• Launch: January 14, 2025
• Implementation period: Between 2024-2026
• Time period: Two years
• Budgetary allocation: Two thousand crore rupees
• Goal: To be prepared for every weather condition and make India a climate smart nation
• Nodal agency: Three major institutions of the Ministry of Earth Sciences-
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
  • Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)

Main objectives of Mission Mausam:

• Development of state-of-the-art weather monitoring technology and systems: This includes the establishment of a strong network of high-resolution atmospheric observation stations, establishment of next-generation radars and satellites and acquisition of high-performance computing infrastructure for advanced weather modeling, etc.
• Improve forecast accuracy: The mission aims to significantly improve the accuracy of weather forecasts by leveraging advanced technologies to develop more effective early warning systems for extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, droughts and heatwaves.
• Climate Change Adaptation: The mission will play a key role in helping India adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes developing climate change projections, assessing climate risks and providing climate information services to various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, water resources and disaster management.
• Regional cooperation: The mission plays a key role in promoting regional cooperation in climate research. In this context, IMD has invited meteorologists and climate scientists from neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal to participate in various programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives. 
•  Implementation of High Performance Computers (HPC): This mission will use state-of-the-art computing systems to efficiently process meteorological data, complex climate models and simulations, etc.
• Better understanding of weather and climate processes: This mission focuses on improving forecasting capabilities by developing new insights into atmospheric phenomena by investing in research and development.
• Air quality monitoring: This includes providing air quality data for the purpose of creating long-term strategies for weather management and environmental intervention.

IMD Vision-2047: Document

This comprehensive document outlines the long-term goals and strategies to further strengthen India's weather and climate services. The key aspects of this vision include:

• Enhancing Public-Private Partnerships: IMD will foster strong collaborations with private sector entities, research institutions and academia to leverage expertise and resources to advance weather and climate science
• Strengthening Human Resources: Emphasis on the importance of investing in human capital by attracting and retaining talented scientists and technologists and providing them opportunities for advanced training and skills development
• Promoting Innovation and Research:  IMD to help actively promote research and development in areas such as AI, machine learning and data science to improve weather forecasting and climate modeling.
• Expanding global cooperation: Focus on strengthening international cooperation to enhance global weather and climate knowledge and contribute to international efforts to address climate change
• Weather forecasting: Use cutting-edge technologies to provide accurate and localised weather forecasts with the aim of mitigating the impact of extreme weather events
• Weather management: Develop frameworks for proactive management of weather-related risks, including disaster preparedness and response mechanisms
• Climate change mitigation: Formulate strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices across sectors

Significance of Mission Mausam and IMD Vision-2047:

• It reflects a proactive approach of the government to address challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events. Through these, India aims to enhance its forecasting capabilities, improve disaster preparedness and promote sustainable development. 
• These initiatives will have far reaching impact not only in protecting life and property but also in supporting sectors such as agriculture, water resources and public health, which are directly or indirectly linked to the effects of weather and climate.