The Indian government has launched a major initiative, Mission Mausam, with a budget of Rs 2,000 crore for the first two years. This ambitious project aims to revolutionize weather forecasting and climate science in India by improving the accuracy of predictions for extreme weather events and climate patterns. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved this significant step forward in addressing the challenges of climate change and extreme weather.

Why Mission Mausam Matters

India frequently experiences severe weather events such as cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which have intensified due to climate change. Over the past five years, more than 10,000 lives have been lost due to hydro-meteorological disasters. Mission Mausam is designed to provide earlier and more accurate predictions of such events, offering critical information to various sectors and communities that depend on timely weather updates. This initiative will benefit agriculture, aviation, defense, disaster management, and tourism, all of which rely on precise weather information.

Key Features of Mission Mausam

Advanced Technology: The mission will deploy state-of-the-art radars, satellite systems, and supercomputers to enhance weather prediction precision. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will be used to improve weather surveillance, modeling, and forecasting.

Increased Accuracy: Currently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has a 97.99% accuracy rate for heatwave predictions and around 80% for heavy rainfall forecasts. Mission Mausam aims to improve these rates through technological upgrades and enhanced research.

Comprehensive Forecasting: While Mission Monsoon, launched in 2012, focused on monsoon forecasting, Mission Mausam will address a wider range of weather events, including cyclones, heavy rains, heatwaves, and air quality issues. It will also provide interventions for fog, hail, and rainfall management.

Institutions Leading the Mission

The Ministry of Earth Sciences will oversee Mission Mausam, involving three key institutions:

India Meteorological Department (IMD): Responsible for daily weather forecasts.
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology: Specializes in research on tropical weather patterns.
National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting: Focuses on medium-range weather predictions.
Additional support will come from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and the National Institute of Ocean Technology, along with national and international collaborations.

Beneficiaries of Mission Mausam

Mission Mausam is expected to directly impact several sectors:

• Agriculture: Farmers will receive better seasonal forecasts to aid in crop planning and harvesting.
• Aviation: Airlines will have improved weather information to manage disruptions and ensure smoother operations.
• Defense: Enhanced weather forecasts will improve preparedness during extreme conditions.
• Disaster Management: Early warning systems will help reduce the impact of natural disasters by providing timely alerts.
• Tourism and Health: Timely updates will protect tourists and citizens from health risks associated with extreme weather.

With the introduction of advanced infrastructure, India is poised to lead in weather and climate science. Mission Mausam is not only about providing accurate weather forecasts but also about enhancing the country’s preparedness for future climate challenges. The integration of AI, cutting-edge radars, and supercomputers will establish a robust system for managing and mitigating the effects of climate change.