The India Meteorological Department (IMD), the nation’s official weather service provider, is all set to celebrate its 150th anniversary on January 15, 2025. To commemorate this historic event, IMD has planned a year-long nationwide festivity in all its sub-offices, commencing on January 15, 2024.
Introduction to India Meteorological Department
The IMD, established as an arm of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, serves as the country’s primary authority in matters related to meteorology and associated topics. The principal purpose of the IMD is to make meteorological observations and provide present and forecasted meteorological data. These services primarily assist in optimizing operations in weather-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, irrigation, aviation, shipping, offshore oil explorations, etc.
The Significant Objectives of the IMD
The IMD not only warns against severe weather conditions like tropical cyclones, norwesters, dust storms, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves that could possibly cause loss of life and damage to property, but it also provides essential meteorological statistics needed in various national-building activities. Additionally, the IMD undertakes and promotes research in meteorology and allied disciplines.
Historical Background and Evolution of IMD
The IMD was established in 1875, following two catastrophic cyclones in 1864, which hit Kolkata and the Andhra coast. The severity of these disasters prompted the need for a system to monitor atmospheric parameters. Since its onset with just one employee, HF Blanford, as the Imperial Meteorological Reporter, the IMD has made significant strides. With Gilbert Walker at its helm in 1903, IMD made considerable progress in understanding the monsoons. Now, IMD has grown into a vast organization with permanent observatories and automatic weather stations across the country.
Technological Developments and Role Diversification within IMD
Since the devastating Odisha super cyclone in 1999, the IMD has significantly improved, especially in cyclone forecasting, and it now serves not just India, but also 13 neighboring countries. Moreover, the roles of IMD have diversified over the years, providing specialized services for elections, sporting events, space launches, and various other sectors.
Global Recognition and Contribution of IMD
The IMD’s enhanced abilities have not only gained it a global recognition as the Regional Climate Centre for South Asia, but it has also contributed towards the United Nations’ ‘Early Warning for All’ programme, influencing as many as 30 countries.
Major Meteorological Initiatives in India
Several prominent meteorological initiatives in India include the National Monsoon Mission (NMM), Mausam App, and Doppler Weather Radars. These are instrumental in improving the understanding of weather patterns and helping in better preparation and management of weather-related calamities.
This comprehensive overview of the IMD reveals its significant roles and contributions in the meteorological sphere, right from its inception to its current operations. Its developments and enhancements over the years have greatly improved India’s meteorological capabilities and dramatically reduced the impact of severe weather phenomena on life and property.
