CCEA approves Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved continuation of nine sub-schemes of umbrella scheme “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)” during 2017-2020. The scheme aims at improving skill of weather and climate forecast through sustained observations, intensive Research & Development.

ACROSS Scheme

The scheme pertains to the atmospheric science programs of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Its objective is to provide reliable weather and climate forecast for betterment of society. It also aims at improving skill of weather and climate forecast through sustained observations, intensive R & D. It consists of nine sub-programmes which are multi-disciplinary and multi institutional in nature and will be implemented in integrated manner. It seeks to addresses different aspects of weather and climate services, which includes warnings for cyclone, storm surges, heat waves, thunderstorms etc. Each of these aspects is incorporated as nine sub-schemes under umbrella scheme ACROSS and is implemented in integrated manners.

Benefits of Scheme

It will provide improved weather, climate and ocean forecast and services, thereby ensuring transfer of commensurate benefits to the various services. It will also provide a sizable number of scientific and technical staff along with requisite administrative support, thereby generating employment. It will generate employment opportunities to many people as large number of agencies like the Krishi Vigyana Kendras of ICAR, Universities and local municipalities are roped to ensure last-mile connectivity of the weather based services to the end –user.

Background

Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has mandate to carry out R&D activities to develop and improve capability to forecast weather, climate and natural hazard related phenomena. Towards this direction, it has undertaken several initiatives to formulate specific schemes like weather and climate modelling, monsoon-research, climate change science & climate services etc. These schemes involve multi-institutes wherein each unit has designated role for accomplishing aforesaid tasks. As result, all these schemes with specific objectives and budget are implemented in an integrated manner and are put together under the umbrella scheme “ACROSS”.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2018