Has India Launched the Bharat Forecast System to Enhance Monsoon Tracking and Disaster Management?
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Synopsis
On May 26, India unveiled the Bharat Forecast System (BFS), a cutting-edge tool designed to improve monsoon tracking and disaster management. This high-resolution forecasting system promises enhanced accuracy and economic benefits, marking a significant advancement in India's meteorological capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Bharat Forecast System (BFS) launched to enhance monsoon tracking.
- Offers unprecedented 6 km forecasting resolution.
- Significantly improves disaster management efficiency.
- Developed by IITM, Pune, with experimental testing since 2022.
- Increases weather forecast accuracy by 30–64%.
New Delhi, May 26 (NationPress) On Monday, India unveiled the domestically produced high-resolution Bharat Forecast System (BFS), aimed at enhancing the monitoring of monsoons and refining disaster management strategies.
The Bharat Forecast System was introduced by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), functioning under the auspices of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). This innovative system boasts the capability to forecast with a remarkable 6 km resolution—unmatched globally—allowing the meteorological department to more accurately predict localized weather phenomena.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, lauded this advancement as a significant enhancement of IMD’s capabilities, positioning India among the global frontrunners in weather forecasting. “This is a proud milestone reflecting our ascent as the world’s fourth-largest economy under PM Narendra Modi,” he shared on the social media platform X.
This groundbreaking forecast system is set to bolster India’s economy by mitigating potential losses while simultaneously unlocking new opportunities for gains.
“The system will enhance monsoon tracking, aviation, cyclone and disaster management, agriculture, waterways, defense, and flood forecasting, while also providing valuable support to key ministries. Notably, it is tailored to address the needs at the Panchayat level,” the Minister of State highlighted.
Developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, the BFS has been undergoing experimental testing since 2022. The data produced has led to a remarkable 30–64 percent increase in the accuracy of weather forecasts, depending on the specific event—be it monsoon predictions, nowcasts (forecasts for the immediate two hours), extreme rainfall incidents, or cyclones.
The newly introduced system features enhanced resolution and broader geographical coverage. This advanced resolution surpasses the previous 12-km Global Forecast System (GFS) previously utilized in India, aiding in more precise predictions of localized weather events such as heavy rainfall and cyclones.
Furthermore, Singh elaborated on how the government under PM Modi has significantly augmented the budget for the MoES.
“When this administration took office in 2014-15, the entire budget for the Ministry of Earth Sciences was a modest Rs 400–500 crore. Today, it has multiplied significantly and is nearing Rs 20,000 crore,” Singh remarked to reporters.
Point of View
The launch of the Bharat Forecast System signifies a monumental stride in India's meteorological capabilities. This advancement not only enhances disaster preparedness but also positions India favorably on the global stage, showcasing our commitment to innovation and resilience.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bharat Forecast System?
The Bharat Forecast System (BFS) is an indigenous high-resolution weather forecasting system developed by the Indian Meteorological Department, capable of predicting localized weather events with a 6 km resolution.
How does the BFS improve disaster management?
The BFS enhances disaster management by providing more accurate forecasts for events such as cyclones, heavy rainfall, and floods, allowing for better preparedness and response.
Who developed the Bharat Forecast System?
The BFS was developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) based in Pune.
How has the accuracy of weather forecasts improved with BFS?
Data from the BFS has led to an increase in the accuracy of weather forecasts by 30–64 percent, depending on the type of weather event.
What impact will BFS have on India's economy?
The BFS is expected to significantly reduce potential economic losses from weather-related disasters while also creating new economic opportunities.
