In the Indian subcontinent context, Himalayas govern the climate and weather of the region and drive the major weather systems viz. Western Disturbances (WDs) during winter time and monsoon phenomenon during summer time. Heavy snowfall events over the Western Himalayan region and the subsequent avalanches over the region affect life and property of the habitats. It also has a strategic importance for army operations. Impact of the weather events are enhanced by topography which makes the area more prone to cloud bursts, flash floods and landslides. In order to meet the region specific user requirements, it is important to have an optimal network of surface and upper air observing systems. Existing surface observations from the Meteorological Centres at Srinagar, Shimla, Dehradun, Gangtok and Itanagar along with upper-air stations at Jammu, Manali and Sasoma are only available to meet weather forecasting requirements of the specific region which is very sparse. An enhanced network of surface and upper-air observations over the region will lead to improved weather forecasting services. Agriculture is highly sensitive to weather and management practices in mountain regions. IMD in collaboration with different organisations/institutes issues Agromet Advisories for state and district level for in the entire Himalayan region from Jammu and Kashmir up to Tripura. In order to improve the services in the entire region, skilful forecasts are essential that can be achieved through enhanced observation systems along with high resolution numerical weather models.
India Meteorological Department in association with the efforts of Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment of the DRDO
The implementation of this project will help to accurately identify, capture and monitor various weather systems affecting the region and provide better weather forecasts and warnings. Improved data collection and archival will help in preparation of improved climatology for the region for the future. With the availability of additional ground truth, verification of forecasts of numerical models can be carried out more realistically which will in turn, help in improving the mountain meteorological services. Improved data collection, forecasts and warnings in respect of heavy precipitation/cloud bursts will help many sectors like army operations, agriculture, tourism, border roads and communications, power generation, water management, environmental studies and general public. All of these would also help in hydrometeorological hazard preparedness and risk reduction planning.
(Rs. In crores)
Name of Scheme | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Himalayan Meteorology | 30 | 60 | 100 | 60 | 50 | 300 |
Last Updated On 04/07/2015 - 12:39 |