The Government of India launched Mission Mausam, a landmark initiative aimed at making India “Weather Ready” and “Climate Smart.” The Union Cabinet approved this mission on September 11, 2024, with a significant budget of ₹2,000 crores allocated over 2 years (2024–2026).
Mission Mausam
In today’s rapidly changing world, climate change and extreme weather events have a substantial impact on lives and livelihoods. Mission Mausam is a critical step towards safeguarding communities and building resilience against these challenges.
Major Organisation
Mission Mausam Led by the –
Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
The mission seeks to drastically improve India’s weather and climate observation, forecasting, and response capabilities.
India’s Meteorological Department (IMD)
It is a National center for medium range forecasting.
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology is situated in Pune and helps climate related problems in the Tropical Region.
National Center For Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
It has a great weather prediction system and good accuracy for India and neighbouring region.
Key Objectives of Mausam
Mission Mausam focuses on developing cutting-edge technology and systems for better weather surveillance and forecasting. Some of its primary objectives are:
1. Advanced Weather Surveillance Systems
One of the main goals of the mission is to establish state-of-the-art weather surveillance technologies. This includes deploying next-generation radars, high-performance computers (HPCs), and satellites with advanced instrument payloads. These systems will help in gathering more accurate and real-time weather data.
2. Higher Resolution Atmospheric Observations
Mission Mausam aims to implement higher-resolution atmospheric observations. This means collecting data with better temporal (time) and spatial (location) coverage. By enhancing the quality and quantity of data collected, weather forecasts will become more precise, helping predict extreme weather events more accurately.
3. Development of Earth System Models
To improve weather and climate predictions, Mission Mausam will focus on developing advanced earth system models. These models will help in understanding weather patterns, predicting climate changes, and preparing for potential weather-related hazards. The mission also seeks to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) for data-driven predictions.
4. Weather Management Technologies
Another important aspect of the mission is the development of new technologies for weather management. These technologies will assist in making timely decisions during extreme weather events, helping to minimise damage and protect lives.
5. Last Mile Data Dissemination
To ensure that weather-related information reaches every corner of the country, Mission Mausam will implement a state-of-the-art dissemination system. This system will improve communication and provide weather data to people in real-time, ensuring that no region or community is left unprepared for severe weather events.
6. Capacity Building and Research
The mission also aims to enhance capacity building by training experts in weather forecasting and climate science. By focusing on research and development, Mission Mausam will drive innovation in weather prediction and response systems.
Infrastructure Development Under Mission Mausam
Mission Mausam involves a significant investment in building a robust infrastructure for weather surveillance. The goal is to establish the following:
- 50 Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs)
- 60 Radio Sonde/Radio Wind (RS/RW) Stations
- 100 Disdrometers (to measure the size and velocity of raindrops)
- 10 Wind Profilers
- 25 Radiometers
- 1 Urban Testbed (for studying urban weather systems)
- 1 Process Testbed (to explore new weather prediction methods)
- 1 Ocean Research Station (for marine weather observation)
- 10 Marine Automatic Weather Stations (with upper air observation capabilities)
These facilities will strengthen India’s ability to monitor and respond to weather events, ensuring better prediction and management of climate-related challenges.
Leadership and Collaboration
Three major institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will play a leading role in implementing Mission Mausam:
- India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
These institutes will work together, supported by other MoES bodies such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). Collaborating with national and international institutes, academia, and industries, Mission Mausam aims to position India as a global leader in weather and climate sciences.
Impact of Mission Mausam
Mission Mausam is expected to significantly improve the quality of weather forecasts. By installing a more extensive network of radars, wind profilers, and radiometers, the mission will provide better spatial and temporal data, leading to more accurate predictions. This improvement in forecasting will help various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, and disaster management, plan and respond more effectively to weather changes.
The integration of AI/ML technologies with traditional physics-based numerical models will revolutionize weather forecasting. By March 2026, India aims to have a more extensive and technologically advanced weather observation system in place. This system will not only improve short-term weather forecasts but also contribute to long-term climate management strategies.
Social and Economic Benefits
The mission also promises to deliver economic and social benefits. Improved weather forecasts will allow farmers to plan their activities more effectively, helping them avoid losses due to unexpected weather changes. Sectors such as aviation and shipping will also benefit from more reliable weather information, leading to better operational efficiency and reduced risks.
Moreover, Mission Mausam will strengthen India’s preparedness for natural hazards such as cyclones, floods, and droughts. This will help reduce the impact of these disasters on vulnerable communities, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Conclusion
Mission Mausam is a transformative step towards making India more resilient to climate change and extreme weather events. With the deployment of advanced technologies, improved forecasting methods, and a focus on research and capacity building, the mission aims to make India a “Weather-Ready and Climate-Smart” nation. As it progresses, Mission Mausam will provide not only better weather predictions but also substantial social and economic benefits to the country.
By 2026, with the completion of Mission Mausam, India will have a more robust system for observing, predicting, and responding to weather events, ensuring that no weather system goes undetected, and every sector and citizen is better prepared for the challenges ahead.
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FAQs
What is Mission Mausam?
Mission Mausam is an initiative launched by the Government of India to make the country “Weather Ready” and “Climate Smart.” It focuses on improving weather and climate forecasting, observations, and responses through advanced technologies and research.
When was Mission Mausam approved?
Mission Mausam was approved by the Union Cabinet on September 11, 2024, with a budget outlay of ₹2,000 crores for two years (2024–2026).
What are the main objectives of Mission Mausam?
The key objectives include developing advanced weather surveillance technologies, improving weather and climate models, and creating better dissemination systems for real-time weather data. It also focuses on capacity building and improving forecasting capabilities using AI/ML technologies.
Who is leading the implementation of Mission Mausam?
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is leading Mission Mausam. Major institutes involved in its implementation include the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
What infrastructure will be developed under Mission Mausam?
The mission plans to establish 50 Doppler Weather Radars, 60 Radio Sonde/Radio Wind stations, 10 Wind Profilers, 100 Disdrometers, 25 Radiometers, and various testbeds for urban and oceanic weather observation.
How will Mission Mausam benefit India?
This Mission will enhance India’s ability to predict weather events, manage extreme weather situations, and build resilience against climate change. Improved forecasting will benefit sectors like agriculture, aviation, disaster management, and more, leading to economic and social gains.
What role does AI and Machine Learning play in Mission Mausam?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) will be integrated with traditional weather models to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather predictions. These advanced technologies will help analyze large volumes of data and enhance the overall forecasting system.
How will Mission Mausam improve disaster management?
By providing more accurate and timely weather data, Mission Mausam will help disaster management agencies plan better responses to extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts, reducing their impact on communities.
When will Mission Mausam be completed?
This Mission is set to be completed by March 2026. By that time, the necessary infrastructure, such as radars, wind profilers, and radiometers, will be in place, and the mission’s goals will be fully realized.
How does Mission Mausam align with climate change mitigation?
This Mission helps India prepare for the impacts of climate change by improving weather prediction capabilities. It enhances understanding of climate patterns and helps develop strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme weather and rising global temperatures.