India’s ‘Mission Mausam’, launched with a £2,000-crore budget, aims to enhance weather forecasting and climate monitoring, supporting agriculture, tourism, and disaster preparedness.

Approved on 11 September 2024, ‘Mission Mausam’ allocates £258 crore for 2024–25 and £1,742 crore for 2025–26 to advance India’s weather surveillance and forecasting capabilities. The initiative, led by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other Ministry of Earth Sciences institutes, deploys next-generation radars, wind profilers, and satellites with advanced payloads. It integrates AI and high-performance computing to improve prediction accuracy and disaster response.

The mission targets sectors like agriculture, tourism, and disaster management by providing real-time weather updates. For instance, it will enhance forecasts for events like the Char Dham Yatra and Maha Kumbh Mela, helping tourists and planners mitigate weather-related risks. The programme also supports urban planning, aviation, and energy sectors with data-driven decision-making. A Decision Support System will improve last-mile communication, ensuring timely warnings for floods and cyclones.

India’s vulnerability to climate-driven events, such as the recent Uttarkashi floods, underscores the need for robust forecasting. The mission aims to reduce economic losses from extreme weather, projected to cost billions annually. Collaboration with international institutes and industries will strengthen India’s leadership in weather sciences. However, challenges include scaling infrastructure in remote areas and ensuring data accessibility for local communities.

By enhancing atmospheric observation networks, ‘Mission Mausam’ aligns with India’s climate resilience goals. It builds on the IMD’s existing services, which provide customised forecasts for key events, to create a more responsive and accurate system.

In conclusion, ‘Mission Mausam’ is a critical step towards strengthening India’s weather forecasting and climate resilience. Its success will depend on effective implementation and outreach to ensure benefits reach all sectors and regions.

Source: Outlook Business