The journey of India Meteorological Department over 150 years

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary next week. This milestone offers an opportunity to review the evolution of weather forecasting in India, its challenges, and the future trajectory of the institution.

Evolution of IMD and Milestones

• Early Beginnings: The foundation of meteorological observation in India dates back to 1793 with the establishment of the Meteorological and Astronomical Observatory in Madras. This marked the initiation of systematic weather analysis.
• Formation of IMD: The India Meteorological Department was officially founded in 1875 following the formation of a National Meteorological Committee by the Asiatic Society of Bengal. This institution has played a crucial role in weather prediction for over 140 years.
• Advancements in Technology: Since its inception, IMD has made significant advancements, from producing its first daily weather report in 1878 to integrating radar systems and satellite technology, significantly enhancing forecasting accuracy.

Challenges and Failures

• Forecasting Accuracy Issues: Despite its advancements, IMD has faced challenges, such as during the Chennai floods of 2015, when its forecasting failed to predict the intensity of the event accurately, causing significant losses.
• Gaps in Early Warning Systems: In 2013, the IMD’s early warning system proved inadequate during the Uttarakhand floods, highlighting deficiencies in communication and timely dissemination of alerts.
• Climate Change Impact: The unpredictability of weather, exacerbated by climate change, poses a new challenge. IMD’s ability to forecast localized weather changes and assess the impacts of climate change needs further enhancement.

Future Prospects and Areas of Improvement

• Upgradation of Technology and Infrastructure: To improve forecasting capabilities, IMD must prioritize regular technology and infrastructure upgrades. Modernization is critical to handle the increasingly complex weather patterns due to climate change.
• Recruitment and Training: Ensuring the recruitment of sufficient personnel, along with ongoing training, is vital for IMD to maintain its forecasting accuracy and improve operational efficiency.
• Collaboration with Private Sector: Following the successful collaboration model of ISRO with the private sector, IMD could benefit from exploring similar partnerships to enhance forecasting capabilities and public engagement.

Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the role of the India Meteorological Department in managing weather-related disasters in India. Discuss its historical evolution, key challenges, and the necessary steps to improve its forecasting capabilities in the context of climate change.