Understanding Mission Mausam: A Comprehensive Initiative for Weather and Climate Management

Introduction to Mission Mausam

“Mission Mausam” is a significant initiative launched by the Indian government, aimed at improving the country’s weather forecasting capabilities and climate resilience. With a budget of ₹2,000 crore allocated over two years, this mission seeks to address the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events and climate change.

Primary Goals of Mission Mausam

The core objective of Mission Mausam is to enhance the accuracy of weather predictions and manage the impacts of climate change. This will be achieved by:

• Improving weather and climate information systems
• Focusing on air quality and monsoon predictions
• Managing extreme weather events such as cyclones, hail, and fog
• Implementing effective climate interventions

Implementation Institutions

Mission Mausam will be executed by three pivotal institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES):

• India Meteorological Department
• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
• National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting

Additionally, other MoES bodies, such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and the National Institute of Ocean Technology, will provide support to these institutions.

Advanced Technologies in Use

To fulfill its objectives, Mission Mausam will utilize cutting-edge technologies, including:

• Next-generation radars
• Satellite systems paired with high-performance supercomputers
• Advanced Earth system models
• GIS-based decision support systems
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques

These innovations aim to enhance the precision of weather predictions, making them more reliable for various applications.

Beneficiaries of the Mission

The outcomes of Mission Mausam are expected to positively impact various sectors, including:

• Agriculture
• Disaster management
• Aviation
• Energy
• Water resources

By providing timely warnings for cyclones and other severe weather events, the mission aims to protect vulnerable communities and improve decision-making in areas like land-use planning and transportation.

Addressing Climate Change

As climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather conditions, Mission Mausam is designed to enhance the forecasting of such events. The initiative will also focus on building capacity and resilience among communities, sectors, and ecosystems, preparing India for the long-term consequences of climate change.

Recent Extreme Weather Events

A report from the Centre for Science and Environment highlights that India faced 318 extreme weather events in 2023, affecting all states and union territories. These events led to significant human and agricultural losses, with farmers experiencing up to 80% yield reductions in some cases.

Impact on Agriculture

Given its reliance on weather conditions, the agricultural sector will greatly benefit from the advancements offered by Mission Mausam. By providing early warnings for adverse events, farmers will be better equipped to make informed decisions regarding crop planning, irrigation, and harvesting, thereby enhancing food security.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”