150 Years of IMD: Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Foundation Day Address

The Prime Minister highlighted the 150th Foundation Day of India Meteorological Department
(IMD) as a symbol of India’s scientific progress, emphasizing technological advancements and global contributions. Key initiatives like ‘Mission Mausam’ aim to position India as a weather-ready and climate-smart nation. Traditional meteorological knowledge was recognized alongside modern innovations, with a future focus on disaster warning systems and improved forecasting accuracy for agriculture and marine safety. The event showcased IMD’s pivotal role in strengthening disaster resilience and global meteorological services.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), founded in 1875, will celebrate 150 years of operation on January 15, 2025. As one of India’s oldest government agencies, the IMD was established to systematically observe, report on, and scientifically predict weather patterns across the Indian subcontinent.  

While the practice of meteorology in India has roots in ancient observations documented in texts like the Upanishads (around 3000 B.C.), which described weather phenomena, modern meteorology emerged in the 17th century with the development of key instruments like the thermometer and barometer, as well as the understanding of atmospheric gas laws. India’s first meteorological observatory was established in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) in 1785.

1. Celebration of 150 Years of IMD:
   • 150 Years of IMD: Marks not just a departmental milestone but a significant journey in India’s modern science and technological advancement.
   • Commemorative Releases: A postage stamp and coin were unveiled to celebrate IMD’s achievements.
   • Vision Document: IMD Vision-2047 was launched, outlining future goals as India approaches 100 years of independence.
2. IMD’s Technological Expansion
   • Infrastructure Growth:
     • Increased number of Doppler Weather Radars, Automatic Weather Stations, Runway Weather Monitoring Systems, and District-wise Rainfall Monitoring Stations.
     • Establishment of meteorological observatories in Antarctica (Maitri and Bharati).
   • Supercomputing Advancements: Introduction of Ark and Arunika supercomputers to enhance forecast accuracy.
   • Space and Digital Integration: Leveraging space technology to improve meteorological predictions.
3. Launch of ‘Mission Mausam’
   • Objective: Make India a weather-ready and climate-smart nation.
   • Components: Development of advanced weather surveillance technologies, atmospheric observations, radars, satellites, and high-performance computing.
   • Focus Areas: Climate change adaptation, weather management, and air quality data monitoring.
4. Disaster Management and Public Safety
   • Enhanced Forecasting:
     • ‘Early Warning for All’ initiative covers over 90% of the population.
     • Forecasts available through platforms like WhatsApp and the Meghdoot app in multiple languages.
   • Agricultural and Marine Safety:
     • Increase in farmers and livestock owners using weather-related advice from 10% to over 50%.
     • Timely lightning and marine warnings improving safety for fishermen and enhancing blue economy sectors.
   • Disaster Impact Mitigation:
     • Significant reduction in loss of life during cyclones due to better forecasting.
     • Economic loss mitigation and improved investor confidence.
5. Contribution to Global Meteorology
   • Flash Flood Guidance: Providing data to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
   • India’s Role as ‘Vishwa Bandhu’: Assisting neighboring countries during natural calamities.
6. Traditional Meteorological Knowledge
   • Historical Integration: Ancient texts like the Vedas, Samhitas, and Surya Siddhanta documented meteorological knowledge.
   • Cultural Literature Contributions: Sangam literature and folk literature contain extensive meteorological insights.
   • Scientific Studies: Works such as Krishi Parashar and Brihat Samhita studied cloud formation and rainfall predictions.
   • Traditional Maritime Knowledge: Centuries-old maritime practices from Gujarat and tribal communities’ nature observations offer valuable insights.
7. Future Outlook
   • Emphasizing Future Needs: As IMD’s weather forecasts become more accurate, their importance will increase across sectors and industries.
   • Warning System Development: Focus on new systems for natural disaster predictions, including earthquakes.
   • Encouragement for Innovation: Scientists, research scholars, and IMD urged to pursue new breakthroughs.
   • Global Contribution: Commitment to innovation and resilience to position India as a leader in global meteorological services.

Reference: PIB