PM Modi stresses need for earthquake warning systems, urges scientists, celebrates IMD’s 150th anniversary

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On January 14, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering in New Delhi to celebrate the 150th Foundation Day of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In his speech, he emphasized the need to develop earthquake warning systems and urged scientists to prioritize this area of research. He highlighted that advances in weather sciences have played a significant role in reducing the damage caused by natural disasters.

Modi also launched the 'Mission Mausam,' an initiative aimed at enhancing weather surveillance technologies and systems. This mission will incorporate high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars, satellites and advanced computers. The Prime Minister remarked that the mission’s goal is to make India "weather-ready and climate-smart," while improving the understanding of weather and climate dynamics.

He emphasized the importance of effective meteorology in disaster management and stressed the need to optimize its use to reduce the effects of natural disasters. Modi noted that India’s disaster management capabilities have been bolstered through advancements in meteorological technology, benefiting not only India but also neighboring countries via systems like the Flash Flood Guidance system. During the event, Modi also unveiled the IMD's Vision-2047 document which focuses on weather resilience and climate change adaptation and released a commemorative coin marking the IMD's 150 years of service. The event was attended by notable figures including Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization, Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh, Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran and IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.