Earth sciences ministry made progress but has been ‘sluggish’ on a few counts: Parliamentary report

Source: The post is based on the article “Earth sciences ministry made progress but has been ‘sluggish’ on a few counts: Parliamentary report” published in Down To Earth on 12th February 2023.

What is the News?

According to a Parliamentary committee report, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) made progress but has been ‘sluggish’ on a few counts.

What are the key findings of the report?

District Agro-meteorological Field Units(DAMU): They are responsible for preparing and disseminating district and sub-district-level agro-met advisories.

– So far, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has established a total of 199 DAMUs in the country. It has set a target of setting up 660 DAMUs by 2025.

However, the IMD has been “sluggish” in establishing DAMU’s due to limited funds.

Doppler Weather Radars(DWR): It is designed to predict extreme weather events.

– The Ministry is prioritizing installing DWR in the Himalayan states which are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events. So far, six DWRs have been installed.

– The Government has set a target to cover the entire country by Doppler Weather Radar Network by 2025 to predict extreme weather events accurately.

ACROSS Scheme: ACROSS stands for Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services.

– It works on weather and climate services, including disseminating warnings for cyclones, storm surges, heat waves, thunderstorms and the like.

– The committee recommends the ministry to revisit its performance in terms of the realization of physical targets set under the ACROSS scheme and strive hard to improve it.

Upgrade Station in Antarctica: The committee highlighted the need to replace or upgrade the Maitri Station in Antarctica which was set up in 1988. It is home to Indian scientists working at the South Pole.

– The Station has not only outlived its life as it was designed for an estimated life of 10 years. The committee hopes the proposed new Station — Maitri-II — will be completed on time.