New Delhi: India will play a leading role in weather forecasting and climate studies, as stated by Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, on December 26th. “The Department of Earth Sciences has a short-term plan already, and now the Department is drawing up a plan for Amritkaal to make Bharat Atmanirbhar by year 2047,” he said. Rijiju made these remarks while addressing the gathering after releasing the logo commemorating the 150 years of service to the nation by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Rijiju emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the select Heads of Government invited to address the World Climate Action Summit, COP28, in Dubai recently. This demonstrates the global community’s recognition of India’s leadership role in Climate Change mitigation. “PM Modi has unveiled the idea of making ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LiFE) a global Mission through bolder steps by the global clean energy fraternity,” he added.
According to Rijiju, India has achieved its two targets for 2030, as per the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), well ahead of time. He called for greater participation of the private sector in fulfilling India’s needs for more Doppler radars in precise localized weather forecasting. “With a slew of PLI schemes, India is now emerging as a manufacturing hub. The private sector must come forth to supply ‘Make in India’ Doppler radars,” he emphasized.
Rijiju urged the IMD to mobilize school children during its year-long celebrations beginning next month to raise awareness on Climate Change issues. He emphasized that climate change and global warming are global concerns, and collective efforts are required. “We need to raise awareness that all individuals will have to come together because the immediate phenomenon of pollution and extreme weather, such as cloud burst and heavy rains, are a result of wider climate change on Earth,” he said.
During the occasion, Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, spoke about the need to enhance awareness and outreach programs, along with the enhancement of capabilities to communicate the weather and climate services of IMD to common people and stakeholders.
Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD, in his welcome address, discussed the evolution of the logo since its inception in 1875, covering the pre-Independence era, Independence era, and the existing logo. The IMD, established in 1875 as one of the first scientific departments of the Government of India, commemorates its 150th year of service to the nation. IMD will celebrate this milestone with year-long celebrations during January 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025.