150 years of IMD- Significance and Challenges- Explained Pointwise

Recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrated its 150th year of establishment and service to the nation. On this occasion IMD launched several initiatives such as Weather Analysis and Forecast Enabling System (WAFES), Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal for farmers, National Framework of Climate Services (NFCS). The Indian Meteorological Department has played a very substantial role over the years in terms of Weather forecasting and monsoon prediction. However, IMD also faces several challenges, especially in the wake of climate crisis that we face today.

What are the objectives and functions of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)? 

About Indian Meteorological Department- The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is a government agency responsible for providing weather and climate-related services in India. India Meteorological Department(IMD) was established in 1875 with its headquarter located in New Delhi. It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India.

IMD was formed in the backdrop of two monstrous cyclones in 1864 which struck the Kolkata and Andhra coast and killed more than one lakh people.

Objective and Functions of IMD- It is responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and

1. Meteorological Observation and Statistics- IMD needs to undertake meteorological observations and statistical work for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, offshore oil explorations etc.

2. Disaster Management- IMD provides warning against severe weather phenomena which cause destruction of life and property like tropical cyclones, norwesters, duststorms, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves.

3. Seismological Work- IMD also undertakes seismological operations for earthquake disaster management.

4. Naming of Cyclones- The Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) of Tropical Cyclones in New Delhi is responsible for naming the cyclones in the northern Indian Ocean region.

5. Conduct Reasearch and Development- To conduct and promote research and development in meteorology and allied disciplines.

What have been the significant achievements of Indian Meteorological Department?

1. Monsoon prediction- Meghdoot app designed by IMD to provide agro-meteorological services to the farmers has played a vital role in the development of India’s agriculture-dependent economy.

2. Weather Forecasting- Winter Fog Experiment (WIFEX) developed by IMD has helped in the dissemination of fog information, which is used by airlines and passengers to plan their travel.

3. Disaster Management- IMD’s accurate prediction of the path and intensity of 2020 Cyclone Amphan, 2013 Cyclone Phailin allowed for timely evacuations and preparedness. 

4. Air Quality Monitoring- IMD’s SAFAR system is being used to monitor air pollution level in major cities such as Delhi.

5. Climate Research- IMD’s Climate research has helped in determining India’s NDCs and Panchamrit principles and also contributed to the understanding of El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole events.

6. Enhanced India’s global reputation– IMD has been recognised as one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). IMD has contributed to the United Nations’ ‘Early Warning for All’ programme regarding climate change.

What is the significance of the role of Indian Meteorological Department?

IMD plays a significant multidimensional role which are mentioned below-

1. Conducting general Elections- Dates of the general elections and other state elections, are invariably decided by the ECI after taking inputs from the IMD.

2. Launch of ISRO missions- IMD forecasts are taken into account while launching ISRO missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1.

3. Growth of agricultural sector- The improved monsoon prediction system of IMD has helped in the growth and development of agricultural and allied sectors like horticulture, fisheries.

4. Infrastructural growth- Regular forecast and advisory services of IMD are crucial for the operations of railways, airways, shipping and power plant sector.

5. Protection of Socially vulnerable communities- The coastal fishery community, urban poor etc. are all dependent on IMD for protection of their lives and livelihood in cases of extreme weather events like cyclone, urban flash floods.

What are the Challenges faced by the Indian Meteorological Department?

1. Accurate Monsoon Prediction- Accurate and precise prediction of the onset, duration and intensity of the monsoon is a major challenge that IMD faces on a year-to-year basis. For Ex- According to the recent parliamentary panel report, IMD has been able to establish only 199 District Ago-Meteorological Units (DAMUs) out of the targeted 660 DAMUs. DAMUs are crucial in monsoon prediction and information dissemination.

2. Data Assimilation and Modelling- Incorporation of diverse and accurate data into numerical weather prediction models is another major challenge that IMD faces. For Ex- IMD’s challenge in assimilation of satellite data during the 2015 Chennai floods which impacted the accuracy of predictions.

3. Outdated and insufficient observational infrastructure- IMD also grapples with the challenge of outdated and insufficient observational infrastructure like the early warning systems. For Ex- Failure of early warning systems in disseminating information about the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.

4. Urbanization, Localized Weather and Climate Change Impacts- Adaptation of forecasting methods to account for urbanization effect and Climate change impact is another Achilles heel problem for IMD. For Ex- Urban heat island effect in cities like Delhi pose challenge to IMD’s accurate temperature predictions and AQI monitoring.

5. Lack of human resource capacity- IMD also faces a dearth of specialized human resources like earth sciences scientists, software developers and scientists. For Ex- IMD’s challenge in dealing with emerging technologies such as ensemble forecasting.

6. Collaboration with neighbouring countries- IMD also faces the challenge of enhanced collaboration in data sharing related to transboundary air pollution and shared water resources with the meteorological departments of China and Pakistan.

What should be the way forward for IMD?

1. Enhanced Investment in cutting-edge Technologies- Continued investment in cutting-edge technologies such as advanced weather prediction models, high-performance computing systems and remote sensing technologies to enhance forecasting capabilities.

2. Enhanced Observational Infrastructure- Upgradation and expansion of observational networks which like weather stations, radars and satellites.

3. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)- Incorporation of AI and ML algorithms to analyse vast amounts of meteorological data to improve prediction models and enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts.

4. Capacity Building and Training- Enhanced recruitment of earth scientists and training programs to equip meteorologists and staff with the latest knowledge and skills in the field of meteorology.

5. Public Awareness and Communication- IMD must also focus on strengthening of communication channels like mobile apps, social media for disseminating weather forecasts and warnings to the public. For Ex- App for Fog monitoring for the passengers to plan their travel.

6. Public-Private Partnerships in the field of meteorology- Collaboration with private entities and startups will help IMD in fostering innovation and efficiency in meteorological services. For Ex- ISRO’s collaboration with private sector.

Implementation of these strategies will help the Indian Meteorological Department evolve and meet the challenges posed by a changing climate, technological advancements, and the increasing demand for accurate and timely weather information.