Regional Meteorological Centre to be set up in Jammu: Jitendra Singh

Jammu, Jan 10: Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh Friday announced the establishment of a Regional Meteorological Centre at Jammu.

This significant move, according to him, is set to “bolster meteorological services in Jammu and Kashmir, further enhancing disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the region.”

He also announced upcoming Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Srinagar Meteorology Centre and institutions such as the University of Jammu, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), and Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora.

“These collaborations will promote research and innovation in meteorological sciences, fostering a new generation of weather experts,” the union minister said.

He made these announcements while addressing the gathering as chief guest during “Stakeholders’ Workshop on Weather and Climate Services” on the eve of India Meteorological Department’s (IMD’s) 150th anniversary here.

Singh, who is also the Union Minister of State for Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, lauded IMD’s unparalleled contributions to India’s scientific advancements and its transformation into a globally recognised leader in meteorological services.

“From its humble beginnings in 1875, IMD has grown into a dynamic institution that provides critical weather data, empowering sectors like agriculture, disaster management, aviation, and defence. The credibility and accuracy of its forecasts have reached new heights, enabling citizens to make informed decisions,” he said.

The union minister elaborated on the historical importance of the Srinagar Meteorology Centre, recognised as a Centennial Centre by the World Meteorological Organisation and expressed confidence that the upcoming Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu would replicate its success.

“This new centre will cater to the unique geographical and climatic challenges of the Jammu region, contributing to IMD’s mission of delivering accurate and timely weather forecasts across the country,” he said.

Reflecting on IMD’s evolution, Singh highlighted how technological advancements since 2014 revolutionised India’s meteorological capabilities.

“With the integration of cutting-edge space, land, and sea technologies, IMD now delivers forecasts with over 40 percent improved accuracy. This technological leap has proven invaluable in mitigating the impacts of cyclones, flash floods, avalanches, and other natural disasters,” he said.

The union minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, IMD expanded its infrastructure significantly.

“Jammu and Kashmir alone now boasts double the number of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) compared to a decade ago, alongside the installation of advanced X-band Radars in Jammu, Srinagar, Banihal and Leh. These developments have been pivotal in ensuring accurate weather predictions for critical events, including Amarnath Yatra and Vaishno Devi pilgrimages,” he said.

The minister outlined the government’s ambitious “Mission Mausam” - a Rs 2000 crore initiative launched as part of the Modi government’s third term in its first 100 days.

Designed to span from 2024 to 2026, the mission aims to make India “weather-ready and climate-smart.”

With enhanced forecasting tools and increased outreach, the mission focuses on equipping citizens and stakeholders with actionable climate insights.

“This mission underscores India’s growing leadership in climate action, setting benchmarks for other nations to follow. By 2047, we envision India as a global hub for meteorological services and disaster preparedness,” Singh said.

The celebrations for IMD’s 150th anniversary will culminate in a grand event in Delhi on January 15, 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest.

Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, Prof B N Tripathi, who was the guest of honour, said that agriculture universities and farmers were major beneficiaries of IMD’s forecasts.

DG IMD, M Mohapatra appreciated the working of the two centres and said that improvement in timely forecasts saved precious lives and helped people and disaster managers in decision-making and planning.