PM Modi Celebrates 150 Years of IMD as a Milestone in India's Scientific Legacy

New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday praised the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as a symbol of India's scientific evolution, commending its significant contributions over the last 150 years.

During the 150th Foundation Day festivities of IMD held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasized the department's technological progress and its crucial role in serving millions of citizens.

To commemorate this milestone, PM Modi launched 'Mission Mausam', a visionary initiative intended to transform India into a weather-ready and climate-smart nation.

This mission will utilize cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies, high-resolution atmospheric observation systems, next-gen radars, satellites, and high-performance computing.

It also aims to deepen the understanding of weather and climate dynamics and deliver actionable air quality data to support long-term weather management strategies.

"These 150 years of the IMD represent not just the journey of an institution but a proud chapter in India's modern scientific and technological evolution. Over the years, IMD has catered to crores of Indians and stands as a testament to India's scientific advancement," remarked PM Modi.

He mentioned that the IMD had organized a National Meteorological Olympiad, engaging thousands of students and igniting their passion for meteorology.

Reflecting on the department's founding on January 15, 1875, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, PM Modi connected it to the festival's cultural importance.

"Makar Sankranti signals the Sun's transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn. It marks Uttarayan, a period that heralds sunlight and the harvest season. This festival has always held a special place in my heart," he shared, noting that IMD's inception during this time emphasizes its lasting significance.

PM Modi commended the IMD's remarkable technological advancements in the past decade, highlighting innovations such as Doppler weather radars, automatic weather stations, runway weather monitoring systems, and district-specific rainfall monitoring stations.

"For India to be equipped for all weather scenarios and to evolve into a climate-smart nation, we have initiated 'Mission Mausam', focusing on sustainability and future readiness," he stated.

The Prime Minister underlined the department's contribution to enhancing the ease of living for the general populace, particularly farmers and fishermen.

"Weather updates are now readily available on phones and WhatsApp in local languages. More than 50 percent of farmers and livestock keepers benefit from these services," he pointed out.

He also recognized IMD's role in disaster management, providing advance warnings for lightning and guidance for fishermen to steer clear of perilous sea conditions.

PM Modi praised the IMD's contribution to strengthening disaster management, which has benefited both India and its neighboring countries.

"Our flash flood guidance system now aids Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Whenever a disaster strikes in neighboring nations, India is the first to extend help, thereby enhancing global trust in us," he said.

The Prime Minister revealed the IMD Vision-2047 document, which outlines strategies for weather forecasting, climate change mitigation, and resilience-building.

He also unveiled a commemorative postal stamp, coin, and coffee table book for the occasion.

An exhibition displaying IMD's innovations and disaster forecasting technologies for tsunamis, cyclones, and earthquakes was also organized.

In honor of IMD's 150th Foundation Day, a series of events, workshops, and activities have been scheduled to showcase its achievements and its role in fostering a climate-resilient India.