Mission Mausam Will Make India Climate-Smart

Mission Mausam: India’s monsoon season has recently been one of the harshest in years, with floods severely impacting multiple states across the country. Studies reveal a troubling trend: climate variability and extreme weather are becoming more frequent and intense. According to a 2021 Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) report, approximately 40% of India’s districts experience opposing weather hazards, like floods and droughts, within the same year. Meanwhile, an analysis of 40 years of rainfall data shows that heavy rainfall events have increased by up to 64% during the monsoon season. The urgent need for robust weather forecasting is evident, and India’s ‘Mission Mausam’ aims to address these issues head-on.

Why Extreme Weather Demands Improved Forecasting

Currently, nearly two-thirds of India’s population faces significant flood risk, yet only a third of these areas are covered by early warning systems, highlighting the urgent need for enhancement. Cyclone early warning systems, which comprehensively cover cyclone-prone areas, serve as a benchmark. This gap illustrates the need for investments in advanced weather forecasting and technological innovations. Approved in September 2024, the ‘Mission Mausam’ initiative has identified several priority areas:

1. Expanding the weather observation network.

2. Improving weather forecasting models.

3. Exploring weather modification techniques.

The mission will be implemented through three main institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences: the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). This 2,000 crore initiative aims to build a more resilient forecasting system to mitigate climate risks and build a climate-smart India.

Key Objectives for ‘Mission Mausam’

To make India more weather-resilient, ‘Mission Mausam’ needs to expand forecasting in high-risk areas and promote open-access data for diverse applications across energy, agriculture, and water sectors.

1. Enhanced Weather Observation Platforms

To strengthen India’s weather infrastructure, the mission should prioritize observation stations along the western coast and in urban centers with high climate risks. Currently, India has 39 Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs), each monitoring a 250-kilometer radius and providing shortterm forecasts on extreme rainfall. Despite growing cyclone risks in the Arabian Sea, only five DWRs cover the entire west coast. Major cities, like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Jodhpur, which have faced frequent flooding, still lack radar coverage. Expanding radar infrastructure to address these gaps is crucial.

2. Open Access to Weather Data

Access to weather data can foster local innovation and build resilient communities. Open data enables better analysis, helping researchers and entrepreneurs develop customized early warning tools. In the U.S., for instance, open access to data from 160 DWRs has led to analytical tools supporting local governments. The European Union also shares data on cloud platforms, encouraging the development of public services. Currently, IMD shares data through its portal, but restrictions limit its accessibility for academic and research institutions. ‘Mission Mausam’ should improve open data accessibility to enhance research, policy-making, and localized disaster preparedness.

3. Effective Communication Channels

An expanded weather network is only effective if users understand how to act on warnings. IMD’s web and mobile platforms provide district-level weather updates with forecasts ranging from immediate warnings to four-day forecasts. While helpful, these tools could benefit from enhanced user guidance. Providing information on interpreting warnings, potentially through videos, media, and user-friendly guides, would make these tools more actionable. ‘Mission Mausam’ could prioritize improving user literacy on forecast interpretation, encouraging proactive measures.

Conclusion: A Climate-Smart Future

Mission Mausam comes at a critical time, as climate unpredictability increasingly threatens lives and economic stability. By expanding observational infrastructure, providing accessible data, and improving user comprehension of weather information, the mission can catalyze India’s transformation into a climate-smart nation. With sustained advancements, ‘Mission Mausam’ could be pivotal in safeguarding livelihoods, reducing climate vulnerability, and making India resilient in the face of extreme weather events.