Mission Mausam Launched

January 15, 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, marks its 150th anniversary in 2025. To commemorate this milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Mission Mausam on January 14. This initiative aims to enhance India’s weather forecasting and disaster management capabilities. The mission is crucial for minimising the impact of natural disasters through improved meteorological services.

What is Mission Mausam?

Mission Mausam seeks to upgrade IMD’s forecasting, modelling, and dissemination capabilities. The government has allocated a budget of Rs 2,000 crore for the first two years. The mission focuses on enhancing weather surveillance and forecasting, benefiting sectors such as agriculture, aviation, defence, disaster management, tourism, and health. It aims to provide comprehensive weather services across the country.

Historical Context

Mission Mausam follows the earlier Mission Monsoon, launched in 2012. Mission Monsoon aimed to improve long-range weather forecasts. Currently, IMD boasts a 97.99% accuracy rate for forecasting extreme events like heatwaves within 24 hours. However, heavy rainfall predictions are less reliable, with an accuracy of about 80%.

Weather Management Strategies

In addition to forecasting, Mission Mausam will manage specific weather events. The mission plans to enhance or suppress rainfall, hail, fog, and lightning strikes on demand. A key area of focus is cloud physics, where India aims to boost research capabilities. This involves the establishment of a unique cloud chamber at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune.

Cloud Chamber Innovations

The cloud chamber will simulate conditions necessary for cloud formation. It will facilitate the study of seed particles that form cloud droplets and ice particles. Unlike basic cloud chambers in other countries, India’s facility will have convection properties to study monsoon clouds specifically. This innovation positions India among a select few countries with advanced convective cloud chambers.

Oversight and Collaboration

Mission Mausam will be overseen by three key institutions funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. These are the IMD, IITM in Pune, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting in Noida. Their collaboration will ensure the effective implementation of the mission’s objectives.

IMD was established in 1875 as India’s principal meteorological agency.
The Director General of Meteorology leads the IMD.
IMD has six Regional Meteorological Centres across India.
The Pune cloud chamber will study Indian monsoon clouds specifically.
Mission Mausam includes a budget of Rs 2,000 crore for initial implementation.

IMD’s Mandate and Responsibilities

The IMD has several core responsibilities. It provides current and forecast meteorological information for weather-sensitive activities. These include agriculture, shipping, aviation, and oil exploration. The IMD also issues warnings for severe weather phenomena, such as tropical cyclones and heatwaves. Additionally, it conducts research in meteorology and related disciplines, contributing to national development.

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