PM Modi launches Mission Mausam on 150th anniversary of IMD

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Mission Mausam in New Delhi on the occasion of the 150th foundation day of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 14 January 2025. The Mission aims to  strengthen India’s research and development capability in weather and climate-related science and make the country a weather-ready and climate-smart nation.

The IMD was set up by the British India government on 15 January 1875.

During the function, the Prime Minister also released a Rs 150 Commemorative coin issued by the Union Ministry of Finance to mark the 150th year of the IMD.

He also released the 2047 Vision document of the IMD which outlines a roadmap for weather resilience and climate change adaptation for the country by 2047. The Modi government has set a  target to make India a developed country by 2047.

Akhand Bharat Seminar organised by IMD

• On the occasion of the 150th foundation day of the IMD, an Akhand Bharat Seminar was organised by IMD in New Delhi on 14 January 2025.
• Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal were invited. 
• Pakistan confirmed its participation, while Bangladesh declined.
• Senior meteorological officials from West Asia, Central Asia, and Southwest Asia have also been invited for the Akhand Bharat seminar.

150th Year of the Indian Meteorological Department 

The Indian Meteorological Department was set up by the British Government in India in 1875 at Kolkata, bringing all meteorological observatories in the country under a central authority.

The Indian Meteorological Department is the National Meteorological Service provider of the country and is the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.

Its other functions are ;

• to provide current and forecast meteorological information for weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, offshore oil explorations, etc.
• To provide early warning against severe weather phenomena like cyclones, dust storms, heavy rains ,snow, cold and heat waves, etc
• To provide reliable meteorological statistics required for agriculture, water resource management, industries, oil exploration and other nation-building activities.
• To conduct and promote research in meteorology and allied disciplines.

Headquarters of IMD : New Delhi 

Director General : Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra

About Mission Mausam 

 Mission Mausam was approved by the Union Cabinet in a meeting held on 11 September 2024. The Mission is being implemented by the Union Ministry of Earth Science through its three main institutions - New Delhi based India Meteorological Department (IMD), Noida based National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting, and Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

The Mission duration is of 2 years with an outlay of Rs 2000 crore.

The main aim of the mission is to boost research and development in atmospheric science, especially weather surveillance, modeling, forecasting, and management.

For Details about Mission Mausam