Source: TH
Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, has played a critical role in weather forecasting and climate services in India for nearly 150 years.
About India Meteorological Department (IMD):
- What it is: The IMD is India’s national weather service agency responsible for meteorological observations, forecasting, and research.
- Established in: 1875, following critical weather events like the 1864 Calcutta cyclone and monsoon failures in 1866 and 1871.
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
- Ministry: Under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- History:
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- Origins: Began with provincial observatories in the 18th century (e.g., Madras Observatory, 1793).
- Centralization: Unified meteorological services under a central authority in 1875.
- Functions:
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- Weather Forecasting: Short-term and long-term predictions for agriculture, aviation, and disaster management.
- Cyclone Warnings: Specialized cyclone prediction for the Indian Ocean region.
- Data Collection: Operates regional and state-level meteorological centres and over 700 observatories.
- Climate Research: Studies climate change impacts, extreme weather, and monsoon dynamics.
- Sectoral Services: Supports aviation, shipping, fisheries, and flood management with real-time data.
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