The India Meteorological Department’s innovations have empowered farmers and communities by providing localized weather information in multiple languages through platforms like the Meghdoot app. As a result, over 50 per cent of farmers now use weather-based advisories compared to just 10 per cent a decade ago.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, proudly commemorates 150 years of dedicated service to the nation. Established in 1875, IMD has played a pivotal role in advancing meteorology, seismology, and related sciences, contributing significantly to disaster management, agriculture, aviation, and public safety. This milestone marks a testament to IMD’s enduring legacy in safeguarding lives, fostering economic development, and driving scientific progress.
The 150th Foundation Day of IMD was celebrated with grandeur on January 14, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the occasion, highlighting IMD’s remarkable journey and contributions over the years. During the event, the Prime Minister launched ‘Mission Mausam,’ a transformative initiative to make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation through state-of-the-art weather surveillance technologies, next-generation radars, satellites, and advanced computing systems.
The celebration also witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative postage stamp and coin to honor IMD’s legacy. Additionally, the IMD Vision-2047 document was released, outlining the roadmap for enhancing weather resilience and climate adaptation as India approaches its 100th year of independence. Workshops and activities showcased IMD’s contributions to making India climate-resilient, emphasizing its role in providing critical weather and climate services.
The establishment of IMD in 1875 was a response to a series of catastrophic events, including the 1864 Calcutta cyclone and monsoon failures in 1866 and 1871. These disasters underscored the need for centralized meteorological services in the Indian subcontinent.
Since its inception, IMD has unified meteorological efforts, advancing the field as a modern physical science. Over the decades, the department has adopted cutting-edge technologies to enhance weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster preparedness. Today, IMD is a cornerstone of India’s socio-economic development and a beacon of resilience and sustainability.
Pioneering Observations
IMD has consistently embraced innovation, replacing all mercury barometers with digital ones by 2023 in line with the UNEP Minamata Convention. The department has enhanced agro-meteorological services with 200 Automated Weather Stations (AWS) and sustained 25 GPS-based PB stations. These advancements ensure more precise weather data and support sectors like agriculture and disaster management.
IMD launched a crowdsourcing web interface in January 2021 and the “Public Observation” mobile app on January 14, 2022. These platforms enable users to report real-time weather feedback and associated impacts, fostering community engagement in weather observation. Public participation has significantly enriched IMD’s data repository.
IMD has achieved a 40 per cent improvement in overall forecast accuracy since 2014. Its Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network expanded from 15 in 2014 to 39 in 2023, covering 35 per cent more land area. Accurate cyclone predictions, such as for Phailin (2013), Hudhud (2014), Fani (2019), Amphan (2020), and Biparjoy (2023), have reduced fatalities and economic losses. Notably, cyclone-related deaths have plummeted to zero from 2020 to 2024.
IMD’s adoption of the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model and Electric Weather Research and Forecasting (EWRF) model has revolutionized rainfall and lightning forecasts. The “Mausamgram” interactive meteogram, launched in 2024, provides location-specific weather forecasts, enhancing public access to critical data.
IMD has been a trailblazer in developing indigenous technologies, collaborating with ISRO since 1983 for satellite products and launching Doppler Weather Radars since 2010. Initiatives like the Common Alerting Protocol (2019) and Dynamic Composite Risk Atlas (2022) underscore IMD’s commitment to “Make in India.”
Empowering Communities
In his speech at the Foundation Day event, Prime Minister Modi emphasized IMD’s role in shaping India’s scientific and technological progress. He commended the department’s success in minimizing the impact of natural disasters through timely warnings and forecasts. The Prime Minister also highlighted the ‘Mission Mausam’ initiative, which aligns with India’s commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.
IMD’s innovations have empowered farmers and communities by providing localized weather information in multiple languages through platforms like the Meghdoot app. As a result, over 50 per cent of farmers now use weather-based advisories compared to just 10 per cent a decade ago. Enhanced early warning systems have also safeguarded coastal communities, particularly fishermen, from adverse weather conditions.
IMD’s Flash Flood Guidance system serves neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, exemplifying India’s commitment to regional cooperation. The department’s advancements in meteorology and disaster management have bolstered India’s global image as a reliable and compassionate partner.
As IMD celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary, its journey symbolises India’s scientific prowess and resilience. From pioneering meteorological research to adopting advanced technologies, IMD continues to adapt and innovate to address modern challenges. With a vision for a ‘climate-smart’ nation, IMD stands poised to lead India toward a sustainable and weather-resilient future.
