India will take a leading role in weather forecasting and climate studies said Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, and called upon the world to raise awareness on Climate Change issues.
The Minister spoke after releasing the logo commemorating the India Meteorological Department, IMD’s 150 years of service to the nation.
Rijiju called upon the IMD to mobilize school children during its year-long celebrations beginning next month to raise awareness of Climate Change issues.
“Climate change and Global Warming are global concerns. We need to raise awareness that all individuals will have to come together because the immediate phenomenon of pollution and extreme weather such as cloud bursts and heavy rains are a result of wider climate change on Earth,” he said.
Rijiju said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was among the select Heads of Government invited to recently address the World Climate Action Summit, COP28, in Dubai, demonstrating that the global community realizes India’s leadership role in Climate Change mitigation.
“PM Modi has unveiled the idea of making ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LiFE) a global Mission through bolder steps by the global clean energy fraternity,” he said.
The Minister said as per the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), India has achieved its two targets for 2030 well ahead of time.
He also called for greater participation of the private sector in fulfilling India’s need for more Doppler radars in precise localized weather forecasting.
“With a slew of PLI schemes, India is now emerging as a manufacturing hub. The private sector must come forth to supply ‘Make in India’ Doppler radars,” he added.
The Minister said “The Department of Earth Sciences has a short-term plan already and now the Department is drawing up a plan for the Amritkaal to make Bharat Atmanirbhar 2047,” he said.
On occasion, Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences spoke about the need to enhance awareness and outreach programmes along with the enhancement of capabilities to communicate the weather & climate services of IMD to common people and stakeholders.
Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD, in his welcome address, discussed the evolution of the logo since its inception in 1875, in the pre-Independence era, the Independence era, and the existing logo.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875 as one of the first scientific departments of India.
As it commemorates its 150th year of service to the nation IMD will celebrate this milestone with year-long celebrations from January 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025.
