By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, JAN 15, 2025: THE Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in celebrations of 150th Foundation Day of India Meteorological Department (IMD) yesterday at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he said the 150 years of the IMD represent not just the journey of the department but also a proud journey of modern science and technology in India. He lauded IMD has served millions of Indians over these one and a half centuries and has become a symbol of India's scientific progress. Modi said a commemorative postage stamp and coin was also released today about the achievements of IMD. He added that the release of a vision document outlining the future of IMD in 2047, when India will celebrate 100 years of independence. He greeted the citizens on this momentous occasion of 150 years of IMD.

The Prime Minister noted that IMD had organised a National Meteorological Olympiad to engage the youth as part of its 150 years of its journey. He added that thousands of students participated, which would further increase their interest in meteorology. Modi recalled his interaction with the youngsters a while ago at the exhibition in the venue and congratulated all the youth who were part of the occasion today. 

Highlighting that IMD was set up on 15th January 1875, very close to Makar Sankranti, Modi said "We all know the importance of Makar Sankranti in India's tradition". He added that as a person hailing from Gujarat, his favourite festival used to be Makar Sankranti. Explaining further, Modi said Makar Sankranti marked the sun's transition into Capricorn and its northward shift, known as Uttarayan. He added that this period signifies the gradual increase in sunlight in the northern hemisphere, leading to preparations for farming. The Prime Minister noted that Makar Sankranti is celebrated with various cultural expressions across India, from north to south and east to west. He extended his greetings to all citizens on this occasion.

"The progress of a country's scientific institutions reflects its awareness of science", exclaimed Modi. He remarked that research and innovation in scientific institutions are integral to New India's temperament. Over the past decade, he added that IMD's infrastructure and technology have seen unprecedented expansion, with significant increases in the number of Doppler Weather Radars, Automatic Weather Stations, Runway Weather Monitoring Systems, and District-wise Rainfall Monitoring Stations, all of which have been upgraded. The Prime Minister highlighted that meteorology in India benefits greatly from space and digital technology. He noted that India has two meteorological observatories in Antarctica, named Maitri and Bharati, and last year, supercomputers Ark and Arunika were introduced, enhancing IMD's reliability. The Prime Minister announced the launch of 'Mission Mausam,' symbolizing India's commitment to a sustainable future and future readiness, ensuring the country is prepared for all weather conditions and becoming a climate-smart nation.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the relevance of science lies not only in reaching new heights but also in improving the ease of living for the common person. He remarked that the IMD has advanced on this criterion by ensuring accurate weather information reaches everyone. The Prime Minister highlighted that the 'Early Warning for All' initiative now covers over 90% of the population. He noted that anyone can access weather information for the past and upcoming 10 days at any time, with forecasts even available on WhatsApp. He added that the 'Meghdoot mobile app' provides weather information in all local languages. Modi pointed out that 10 years ago, only 10% of farmers and livestock owners used weather-related advice, but today, this number has increased to over 50%. He mentioned that lightning warnings were now possible on mobile phones. The Prime Minister highlighted that previously, families of lakhs of marine fishermen were worried when they went to sea, but now, with IMD's cooperation, fishermen receive timely warnings. These real-time updates enhance safety and strengthen sectors like agriculture and the blue economy, he added.

"Meteorology is crucial for a country's disaster management capabilities", remarked Modi and added that to minimize the impact of natural disasters, the efficiency of meteorology must be maximized. He highlighted that India has consistently understood this importance and is now able to mitigate the effects of disasters that were once considered inevitable. Recalling the devastation caused by the cyclonic storm in Kandla, Kutch in 1998, and the super cyclone in Odisha in 1999, which resulted in thousands of deaths, the Prime Minister said that however, in recent years, despite numerous major cyclones and disasters, India has successfully minimized or eliminated loss of life in most cases. He credited the significant role of the meteorological department in these successes. He noted that the integration of science and preparedness has also reduced economic losses worth billions of rupees, creating resilience in the economy and boosting investor confidence.

"Progress in science and its full utilization are key to a country's global image", said the Prime Minister. He highlighted that India's meteorological advancements have strengthened its disaster management capacity, benefiting the entire world. The Prime Minister noted that India's Flash Flood Guidance system provides information to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. He added that India as 'Vishwa Bandhu', always stood first to help other countries during natural calamities. This, he further added, has raised India's global image. He commended IMD scientists for their significant contributions to this achievement. 

Highlighting India's rich history of meteorological expertise on the occasion of IMD's 150th anniversary, Modi remarked that weather has been a primary factor influencing human evolution, and throughout history, people worldwide have continuously tried to understand weather and the environment. Discussing India's rich history of meteorological expertise, emphasizing that traditional knowledge was documented, refined, and deeply studied in ancient texts like the Vedas, Samhitas, and Surya Siddhanta, Modi said that Tamil Nadu's Sangam literature and the folk literature of Ghagh Bhaddari in the north contain extensive information on meteorology. He remarked that meteorology was not considered a separate branch but was integrated with astronomical calculations, climate studies, animal behavior, and social experiences. The Prime Minister mentioned significant works such as Krishi Parashar and Brihat Samhita, which studied cloud formation and types, and the mathematical work on planetary positions. Quoting Krishi Parashar, Modi said that higher or lower atmospheric pressure and temperature affect cloud characteristics and rainfall. He remarked on the extensive research conducted by ancient scholars without modern machinery, emphasizing their profound knowledge and dedication. He further stressed the importance of linking proven traditional knowledge with modern science and urged for more research in this direction. The Prime Minister referenced the book launched by him a few years ago, "Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages," which documents centuries-old maritime knowledge of Gujarat's sailors. He also acknowledged the rich knowledge heritage within India's tribal communities, which includes a deep understanding of nature and animal behavior. He called for greater exploration and integration of this knowledge with contemporary scientific practices.

Emphasizing that as IMD's weather forecasts become more accurate, their importance will increase, the Prime Minister remarked that the demand for IMD's data will grow across various sectors, industries, and even in everyday life. The Prime Minister highlighted the need to work with future requirements in mind, including developing warning systems for natural disasters like earthquakes. He encouraged scientists, research scholars, and institutions like IMD to work towards new breakthroughs. Concluding his address, Modi expressed confidence that India will play a crucial role in global service and security. He extended his congratulations to IMD and all those involved in meteorology on their 150-year journey.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Prime Minister launched 'Mission Mausam' with the goal of making our country a 'Weather-ready and Climate-smart' nation. The Mission aims to achieve this by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers. It will also focus on improving the understanding of weather and climate processes, provide air quality data that will help strategize weather management and intervention in the long run.

Prime Minister also released the IMD Vision-2047 document for weather resilience and climate change adaptation. It includes plans for weather forecasting, weather management, and climate change mitigation.

To celebrate 150th Foundation Day of IMD, a series of events, activities and workshops have been organised to showcase IMD's achievements during the past 150 years, its role in making India climate-resilient, and demonstrate the role played by government institutions in providing various weather and climate services.