Dr. Jitendra Singh Announces Regional Meteorological Centre for Jammu, Celebrates IMD’s 150th Anniversary

GG News Bureau
Srinagar, 11th Jan. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, during a landmark event marking the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), announced the establishment of a Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Jammu. This new centre is set to bolster meteorological services in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing disaster preparedness and addressing the region’s unique climate challenges.

Dr. Singh commended IMD’s role in transforming India into a global leader in meteorology, emphasizing its critical contributions to sectors like agriculture, aviation, disaster management, and defence. “Since its inception in 1875, IMD has evolved into a dynamic institution, providing accurate weather data to empower citizens and sectors alike,” Dr. Singh said.

The Minister lauded the historical significance of the Srinagar Meteorology Centre, which has been designated as a Centennial Centre by the World Meteorological Organization. He expressed confidence that the new Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu would follow the success of its Srinagar counterpart in delivering timely and reliable weather forecasts.

Dr. Singh also highlighted the role of technological advancements in IMD’s evolution. “The integration of space, land, and sea technologies since 2014 has led to over 40% improved accuracy in forecasts, helping mitigate natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, and avalanches,” he stated.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the IMD has seen substantial infrastructure growth. Jammu and Kashmir now has double the number of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) compared to a decade ago, along with state-of-the-art X-band Radars installed in key locations like Jammu, Srinagar, Manihal, and Leh.

Dr. Singh also discussed Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore initiative launched in the first 100 days of Modi’s third term, aimed at making India “weather-ready and climate-smart.” This mission, which spans from 2024 to 2026, aims to enhance India’s forecasting capabilities and solidify its position as a global leader in climate action by 2047.

Additionally, the government is fostering research and collaboration through upcoming Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Srinagar Meteorology Centre and several prestigious institutions, including the University of Jammu, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), and the Islamic University of Science and Technology.

Dr. Singh emphasized IMD’s growing influence in everyday life, from providing crucial weather advisories to farmers to offering real-time updates for defence personnel in remote locations. “IMD’s services have become indispensable for citizens, from helping plan significant events like weddings to ensuring timely alerts on weather disruptions,” he added.

The celebrations for IMD’s 150th anniversary will culminate in a grand event in Delhi on January 15, 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. The event will highlight IMD’s legacy and its strategic vision for the future.

“The establishment of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu is just one step in our journey towards making India a global hub for meteorological expertise,” Dr. Singh concluded.