India Launches 'Mission Mausam': A Rs 2,000 Crore Initiative to Revolutionize Weather Forecasting

India to Set Up 'Cloud Chamber' To Study Artificial Rain; 100 Radars, 'Mausam GPT' to Follow, Under Rs 2,000 Cr Mission - News18

'The lab will be set up in next 18 months. By end of five years, we want to be able to conduct some laboratory simulation to suppress/enhance rain or hail," said Dr M Ravichandran. India has set in motion an ambitious plan to establish a network of 100 radars across the country by March 2026 to boost its weather forecasting observations. With 39 radars already functional, the target is to add around 61 S-band, C-band and X-band radars with varying detection range. While the S-band radars have a detection range of 400 km, the range for C-band is up to 200 km, while it is 100 km for X-band. At present, India has a radar at every 432 km in comparison to the US, which has one at every 150 km. "Tropical weather patterns are much more chaotic and variable. So, there should not be any place without a radar. In the next five years, we will set up that infrastructure which will improve our forecasting skills tremendously, and also help us manage the weather. This is just the first phase," said Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary to the Ministry of Earth Sciences. "We will start issuing the tenders soon." The Rs 2,000 crore Mission Mausam to make India 'weather-ready' and 'climate smart' will kick-start this September and will be chiefly led by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The plan is to also add Vertical Wind Profiles, and radiometres at 15 locations, and increase the number of radiosondes from the existing 54. These instruments will provide day and night data for wind direction, temperature and humidity up to an altitude of 12 km - every 15 minutes. The mission target is to improve the weather forecasting at city-levels and have better spatial resolution than the existing 12 km. This will also enable IMD to issue Nowcast warnings for rains an hour in advance - up from 3 hours at present. The mission will also pave the way for setting up a 'Cloud Chamber' - a laboratory to study artificial rain at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. Here the scientists will artificially create clouds to be able to modify them as per need. "We want to be able to do weather modification, and artificially suppress and enhance rain. For this we need to study how cloud forms at varying altitudes. The lab will be set up in next 18 months, and by next five years, we want to be able to at least do some simulation for modifying rain or hail within the laboratory," he added. "We want to explore the science of weather intervention. In the long-term, we want to learn how to manage weather better." The first phase of 18 months, starting September will mainly focus on atmospheric observations, and then ramp up observations over the oceans and space. In the second-phase, the plan is to bring more aircraft, Doppler Wind Radars and new earth-observation satellites. The mission will also look to improve air quality forecast, and eventually improve the weather models by integrating the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). In the next five years, the plan is also to launch 'Mausam GPT' to make the weather forecasts readily available to people across the country.

Earth Science Ministry hopeful of adding 60 more radars from launch of ₹2,000 crore Mission Mausam

The Ministry of Earth Sciences has targeted setting up 60 additional radars to augment the existing 39 functional radars by March 2026 under the ₹2,000-crore Mission Mausam approved by Cabinet on Wednesday, said Secretary M Ravichandran. The funds, to be spent by March 2026, will allow India Meteorological Department (IMD) to gather more data, potentially increasing accuracy and reduce geographical radius in the forecasting system. Briefing media a day after the Cabinet nod to Mission Mausam, he said the objective is to strengthen the various components of the Earth System observations, understanding and modelling to improve weather forecast (both spatial and temporal scales). It will help in a great way in weather intervention and also improve air quality forecast, he added. By increasing the radar deployment to 100 locations, will help strengthen observations (in-situ and remote sensing) and improved model capability to be able to plan and protect life and property from extreme and high-impact weather, he said. Suppose the current frequency of nowcast (very short term forecast) is issued every three hours, IMD will be able to bring down it to every one hour or even less, with more accuracy, as much as 75-80 per cent. Besides, if the validity of the current forecast is for next three hours, it may be possible to raise the validity to 5-6 hours, potentially helping disaster management agencies to get more time for preparedness, scientists said. Ravichandran also said that using the funds, IMD will be able to augment drones, vertical wind profiler (for data collection of wind in the atmosphere) and radiometers (for data collection of temperature and humidity in the atmosphere). These measures will help increase accuracy of forecasting fogs, a senior IMD scientist said. The secretary, though ruled out immediate application of weather management, said that Mission Mausam will help IMD and other research institutes for a better understanding on interventions for artificial suppression/enhancement of rain, hail, thunderstorm, lightning, seeding or dispersing into clouds/fog. He also said once the current funds are exhausted, which he is hopeful since companies will take a year to supply radar after orders are placed, the ministry will be able to estimate the funds required for the send phase of Mission Mausam, that is scheduled to commence from April 2026. The aim of the mission will be to bolster research and development, and capacity in atmospheric sciences, weather surveillance, modelling, forecasting, and management, the ministry had said September 12. It will integrate advanced observation systems, high-performance computing and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, and will also set a new benchmark for predicting weather with high precision. Apart from IMD, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting will also be part of the implementation of the Mission. Mission Mausam will also include deploying next-generation satellite systems with advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers, improved earth system models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination. SHARE Copy linkEmailFacebookTwitterTelegramLinkedInWhatsAppRedditPublished on September 12, 2024

Next-Gen Radars, Sensors & More: Cabinet Approves Rs 2,000 Cr Mission Mausam to Counter Rising Extreme Weather Events

About 10,216 people lost their lives in hydro-meteorological disasters in India during the last five years, the government had recently told Parliament. (PTI) India has approved an ambitious plan to strengthen its weather-prediction capabilities and install next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers. The project -- Mission Mausam -- was approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday with an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore over the next two years. The project will help India prepare for issuing early warnings for extreme weather events, which have not only increased in intensity, but frequency as well as scale. About 10,216 people lost their lives in hydro-meteorological disasters in India during the last five years, the government had recently told Parliament. The project will be chiefly implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and led by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting. The aim will be to boost India's weather and climate-related science, research, and services to better equip the agencies, departments as well as people to tackle extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. One of the goals will be to boost research and development, and capacity in atmospheric sciences, especially weather surveillance, modelling, forecasting, and management. The departments plan to integrate advanced observation systems, high-performance computing, and cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and machine learning in order to predict weather with high precision. As part of the mission, the government will help deploy next-generation radars and satellite systems with more advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers, as well as develop improved Earth system models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination. The target will be to provide accurate and timely weather and climate information, including monsoon forecasts, alerts for air quality, extreme weather events and cyclones, weather interventions for managing fog, hail, and rain. The mission is likely to benefit multiple sectors dependent on weather forecasts such as agriculture, disaster management, defence, environment, aviation, water resources, power, tourism, shipping, transport, energy, and health. It would also help enhance data-driven decision-making in areas like urban planning, road and rail transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring, said the government in a statement. The mission will also be supported by MoES institutions (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and National Institute of Ocean Technology), along with collaboration with national and international institutes, academia and industries, furthering India's leadership in weather and climate sciences and services.

Cabinet clears Rs 2,000-crore 'Mission Mausam' to boost weather forecasts, tackle climate change

These will be supported by other MoES bodies, such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research and the National Institute of Ocean Technology. The mission will focus on improving observations and understanding to deliver highly-accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales. This includes information on monsoon, air quality, extreme weather events, cyclones and weather interventions for managing fog, hail and rain. Critical elements of "Mission Mausam" include the deployment of next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors, high-performance supercomputers, the development of enhanced Earth system models and a GIS-based automated decision support system for real-time data sharing, the Union Cabinet said in a statement. The mission will benefit multiple sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, defence, aviation, energy, water resources and tourism. It will also improve decision-making in areas like urban planning, transportation and environmental monitoring. The multi-faceted and transformative initiative will "tremendously boost India's weather and climate-related science, research and services", the Union Cabinet said. It will equip stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, to better tackle extreme weather events and climate-change impacts. The programme will help broaden capacity and resilience across communities, sectors and ecosystems in the long run, it said. As part of "Mission Mausam", India will exponentially expand research and development, and capacity in atmospheric sciences, especially weather surveillance, modelling, forecasting and management. By integrating advanced observation systems, high-performance computing and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, "Mission Mausam" will set a new benchmark for predicting weather with high precision, the statement said. PTI GVS RC

Cabinet approves 'Mission Mausam' to equip India with highly accurate and timely weather-climate information

To be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, it is aimed at boosting India's weather and climate-related science, research, and services. "It will help to better equip stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, in tackling extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change," an official release said. The ambitious program will help broaden capacity and resilience across communities, sectors, and ecosystems in the long run. As part of the Mission Mausam, India will exponentially expound research and development, and capacity in atmospheric sciences, especially weather surveillance, modelling, forecasting, and management. By integrating advanced observation systems, high-performance computing, and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, Mission Mausam will set a new benchmark for predicting weather with high precision. Critical elements of Mission Mausam will include the deployment of next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers, the development of improved Earth system models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination. Mission Mausam will directly benefit numerous sectors, such as agriculture, disaster management, defence, environment, aviation, water resources, power, tourism, shipping, transport, energy, and health. It would also enhance data-driven decision-making in areas such as urban planning, road and rail transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring. Three institutes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences: the India Meteorological Department, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting will primarily implement Mission Mausam. These institutions will be supported by other MoES institutions (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and National Institute of Ocean Technology), along with collaborating national and international Institutes, academia and industries, furthering India's leadership in weather and climate sciences and services, the release said. (ANI)

Cabinet clears Rs 2,000-crore 'Mission Mausam' to boost weather forecasts, tackle climate change

New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI) The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved "Mission Mausam" on Wednesday to enhance India's ability to predict and respond to extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved "Mission Mausam" on Wednesday to enhance India's ability to predict and respond to extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. ADVERTISEMENT The mission, with a budget of Rs 2,000 crore over two years, will be primarily implemented by three key institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) -- the India Meteorological Department, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting. These will be supported by other MoES bodies, such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research and the National Institute of Ocean Technology. The mission will focus on improving observations and understanding to deliver highly-accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales. This includes information on monsoon, air quality, extreme weather events, cyclones and weather interventions for managing fog, hail and rain. Critical elements of "Mission Mausam" include the deployment of next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors, high-performance supercomputers, the development of enhanced Earth system models and a GIS-based automated decision support system for real-time data sharing, the Union Cabinet said in a statement. The mission will benefit multiple sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, defence, aviation, energy, water resources and tourism. It will also improve decision-making in areas like urban planning, transportation and environmental monitoring. The multi-faceted and transformative initiative will "tremendously boost India's weather and climate-related science, research and services", the Union Cabinet said. It will equip stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, to better tackle extreme weather events and climate-change impacts. The programme will help broaden capacity and resilience across communities, sectors and ecosystems in the long run, it said. As part of "Mission Mausam", India will exponentially expand research and development, and capacity in atmospheric sciences, especially weather surveillance, modelling, forecasting and management. By integrating advanced observation systems, high-performance computing and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, "Mission Mausam" will set a new benchmark for predicting weather with high precision, the statement said.

Cabinet approves Rs 2,000 cr 'Mission Mausam' to boost weather forecasts

The mission will benefit multiple sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, defence, aviation, energy. | Representative Picture The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved "Mission Mausam" on Wednesday to enhance India's ability to predict and respond to extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. The mission, with a budget of Rs 2,000 crore over two years, will be primarily implemented by three key institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) -- the India Meteorological Department, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp These will be supported by other MoES bodies, such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research and the National Institute of Ocean Technology. The mission will focus on improving observations and understanding to deliver highly-accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales. This includes information on monsoon, air quality, extreme weather events, cyclones and weather interventions for managing fog, hail and rain. Critical elements of "Mission Mausam" include the deployment of next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors, high-performance supercomputers, the development of enhanced Earth system models and a GIS-based automated decision support system for real-time data sharing, the Union Cabinet said in a statement. The mission will benefit multiple sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, defence, aviation, energy, water resources and tourism. It will also improve decision-making in areas like urban planning, transportation and environmental monitoring. The multi-faceted and transformative initiative will "tremendously boost India's weather and climate-related science, research and services", the Union Cabinet said. More From This Section Delhi HC's e-museum: Find Mahatma, Indira Gandhi murder cases files, more Rajasthan carrying out large-scale reforms for ease of biz, says minister Govt gives nod to Ayushman health insurance to all citizens aged 70, above Govt approves Rs 10,900 cr PM E-Drive scheme to push electric mobility LIVE news: Centre launchs PM E-drive scheme to combat pollution It will equip stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, to better tackle extreme weather events and climate-change impacts. The programme will help broaden capacity and resilience across communities, sectors and ecosystems in the long run, it said. As part of "Mission Mausam", India will exponentially expand research and development, and capacity in atmospheric sciences, especially weather surveillance, modelling, forecasting and management. By integrating advanced observation systems, high-performance computing and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, "Mission Mausam" will set a new benchmark for predicting weather with high precision, the statement said. Also Read Should build manufacturing economy greener than China's: Tata Steel CEO Climate change imminent, focus on areas like Green Hydrogen needed: PM Modi Premium India needs urgent, actionable plan to meet climate goals as time runs out Scaling RE beyond 1,500 GW to face significant challenges, says study Union Bank of India becomes 1st major bank to become signatory of PCAF

Cabinet approves ₹2,000-crore 'Mission Mausam'

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved 'Mission Mausam' on Wednesday (September 11, 2024) with an outlay of ₹2,000 crore over two years. The Ministry of Earth Sciences will be the nodal body implementing the mission. The aim of the programme will be to bolster research and development, and capacity in atmospheric sciences, weather surveillance, modelling, forecasting, and management. It will integrate advanced observation systems, high-performance computing and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, and will also set a new benchmark for predicting weather with high precision, said a press statement. Three institutes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences - the India Meteorological Department, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting - will primarily implement Mission Mausam. Critical elements of Mission Mausam will include the deploying next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers, improved earth system models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination. While officials weren't available for immediate comment, several of the stated activities of the mission are core activities already being implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Mission Mausam is expected to directly benefit numerous sectors, such as agriculture, disaster management, defence, environment, aviation, water resources, power, tourism, shipping, transport, energy, and health. It will also enhance data-driven decision-making in areas such as urban planning, road and rail transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring. Published - September 11, 2024 10:55 pm IST Read Comments