PM Narendra Modi Tuesday urged scientists to develop warning systems for earthquakes as IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that the Met department is working towards improving its weather forecast accuracy by another 10% to 15% in the next five years and ensure that no localised, severe weather events goes undetected. During the inaugural event to celebrate 150 years of the IMD, Modi launched ‘Mission Mausam’ for developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers. The event was also attended by World Meteorological Organisation Secretary General Celeste Saulo, MoS (independent charge), Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh, and Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran. He also released the IMD’s Vision Document 2047 released, which detailed an ambitious plan of achieving zero-error forecast accuracy for up to three days lead time and an accuracy of up to 90% for its forecasts issued five days in advance by 2047. “India has constantly understood the importance of weather forecasts, and in recent years, these have helped limit human casualties besides reducing economic losses. The advancement of sciences reflects any country’s progress. IMD’s accurate forecasts have benefitted the region and contributed in building India’s image as a global friend,” said Modi. He also released the commemorative coin bearing a denomination of `150, and a customised postal My Stamp on IMD's 150 years. He underscored how India’s meteorological advancement not only strengthened the country’s disaster management and the ability to better tackle natural disasters, but also how it benefited the world. “Today, our Flash Flood Guidance system provides critical information to neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka,” he said. “There is a need to develop warning systems for earthquakes and scientists and researchers should work in this direction,” he said. During a panel discussion on early warning systems later in the day, Mohapatra said, “IMD is working towards detecting highly localised, severe weather events so that an early action plan can be prepared and no severe weather goes undetected. We have a roadmap for the next one year, five years and up to 2047.” “By 2047, our aim is to provide every individual with tailor-made weather forecast warning towards making a weather-ready nation. We aim to move from weather forecasting to weather management,” he said. Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “The accuracy of IMD’s weather forecasts have improved by 50% and now, the country is better prepared to tackle natural disasters.” - With PTI inputs
