Why is it in the news?
- The National Framework of Climate Services (NFCS) was launched by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on its 150th anniversary.
About NFCS
- NFCS has a comprehensive objective, aiming to enhance the entire ecosystem of climate services in India which includes strengthening the production, availability, delivery, and application of science-based climate monitoring and prediction services.
- NFCS is built on the foundation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), which was initiated and launched by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
- NFCS is designed to mitigate climate risks for key sectors that play crucial roles in the nation’s well-being. These sectors include disaster risk reduction, agriculture and food security, water resources, public health, and energy.
Other IMD Initiatives also Launched
- Weather Analysis and Forecast Enabling System (WAFES): WAFES is a sophisticated Web-GIS-based integrated Decision Support System (DSS). It provides real-time information for various sectors, offering support to Urban, Power, Hydrology, Health, Energy, Agriculture, Transport, and Tourism.
- UPHHEATT Initiative: WAFES is an integral part of the “UPHHEATT” initiative, emphasizing its role in promoting welfare through informed decision-making.
- Mausam Mobile Application: The Mausam Mobile Application integrates all the services offered by IMD, providing users with a single platform for accessing diverse meteorological information.
- Panchayat Mausam Sewa Portal: This portal is specifically designed to assist farmers in planning their agricultural activities based on reliable weather forecasts and climate information.
About IMD
· IMD, established in 1875, holds the distinction of being the National Meteorological Service of India, reflecting its long-standing commitment to meteorological services. · As one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), IMD is an integral part of the global meteorological network. · Operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, IMD plays a crucial role in providing essential meteorological information to various sectors and decision-makers. · Located in New Delhi, IMD operates with six Regional Meteorological Centres strategically positioned across the country. IMD’s Mandate: · IMD is responsible for taking meteorological observations to understand and monitor weather patterns. · It forecasts meteorological information, providing crucial insights for planning and decision-making. · IMD issues warnings against severe weather phenomena, contributing to public safety and disaster preparedness. · IMD provides meteorological statistics required for sectors like agriculture and industries, aiding in informed decision-making. · IMD is actively involved in promoting research in meteorology and allied disciplines, contributing to the advancement of scientific understanding in the field. · The improved quality of predictions is attributed to technological advancements, particularly the increased deployment of Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs). These radars enhance the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasts. |