150 Years of IMD: Dr. Jitendra Singh Highlights Shimla Meteorology Centre’s Critical Role in North India’s Weather Forecasting.
Shimla:
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh visited one of the country’s oldest Meteorological Centres in Shimla, emphasizing its pivotal role in weather forecasting for North India, particularly in the Himalayan region.
Dr. Singh recognized the Shimla Meteorology Centre as a key institution in India’s meteorological network. “This is one of the oldest stations of IMD and has been crucial in providing critical weather forecasts for North India,” he said during his visit. Located in the geo-sensitive Himalayan region, the center plays a vital role in ensuring disaster preparedness and enhancing climate resilience, particularly for the region’s diverse and often vulnerable communities.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s focus on advancing meteorological capabilities in the country. He pointed out that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government had made significant strides in strengthening weather forecasting infrastructure. “Prime Minister Modi has prioritized meteorology as part of his vision. Within the first 100 days of the Modi Government 3.0, we launched ‘Mission Weather,’ which will revolutionize meteorological services,” Dr. Singh said. He further mentioned that by 2035, the country aims to establish its own space station, envisioned as the Indian Space Station.
Dr. Singh also praised the IMD for incorporating modern technology to tackle the challenges posed by a changing climate, highlighting the department’s crucial role in safeguarding India’s socio-economic development by providing timely and accurate weather information.
During his visit, Dr. Singh toured various sections of the Shimla centre, including the forecasting and inspection units. Dr. Kuldeep Srivastava, Head of the Meteorological Centre, briefed the Minister on the center’s achievements, current capabilities, and future plans. Dr. Singh commended the institution’s efforts in improving public outreach, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, a region often impacted by extreme weather events.
Concluding his visit, Dr. Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the IMD a global leader in meteorology and praised the dedicated staff for their hard work and innovation. He emphasized that the work of the IMD is essential for building a resilient and economically prosperous India, capable of facing future environmental challenges.
The event not only celebrated 150 years of meteorological achievements but also underscored the growing importance of weather science in navigating India’s path toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
