Mission Mausam represents a significant step towards improving India's weather forecasting capabilities. Discuss the challenges in India's current weather monitoring system and explain how Mission Mausam can address these issues.

Introduction:

India faces increasing challenges from extreme weather events, with about 40% of districts experiencing both floods and droughts. The recent approval of Mission Mausam in September 2024, with a budget of ₹2,000 crore, marks an important step in strengthening India's weather forecasting abilities. This initiative comes at a crucial time when the country is witnessing a 64% increase in heavy rainfall days during monsoons over the last decade.

Current Challenges in Weather Monitoring:

Only one-third of flood-prone population is covered by early warning systems

Limited number of Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) - only 39 across the country

Major gaps in radar coverage, especially on the western coast with only 5 radars

Key cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Jodhpur lack proper weather monitoring systems

Restricted access to weather data for researchers and academic institutions

Limited public understanding of weather warnings and their interpretation

Implementation of Mission Mausam:

Three main institutes leading the implementation:

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)

Focus on expanding weather observation network using modern instruments

Integration of machine learning approaches for better forecasting

Plans to improve understanding of atmospheric conditions

Emphasis on developing better forecasting models

Expected Benefits and Future Improvements:

Better coverage of high-risk climate areas

Improved early warning systems for extreme weather events

Open access to weather data following global examples like the US, UK, and EU

Enhanced user-friendly communication tools

Development of district-wise weather warnings

Creation of informative videos and guides for public understanding

Support for various sectors including agriculture, energy, and water management

Better preparation for cyclones and floods

Conclusion:

Mission Mausam represents a timely and necessary step towards making India weather-ready and climate-smart. By addressing current gaps in weather monitoring, improving data accessibility, and enhancing public understanding, the mission can significantly reduce the impact of extreme weather events on lives and livelihoods. Its success will depend on proper implementation and continuous improvement of systems based on emerging needs and technologies.