On the 150th Foundation Day of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Mission Mausam,’ a transformative initiative aimed at making India a climate-smart nation. The program highlights the government’s dedication to building a sustainable future and enhancing the country’s climate readiness.

Addressing the event, Modi said, “The progress of scientific institutions of any country shows its awareness towards science. Research and innovation in scientific institutions is a part of the temperament of the new India. In the last 10 years, there has been an unprecedented expansion of the infrastructure and technology of IMD."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the 150-year journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as a “glorious chapter in the evolution of modern science and technology in India.” He highlighted how advancements in meteorological technology have significantly enhanced the country’s disaster management capabilities, benefitting not only India but also the global community.

“In these 150 years, the IMD has not only served crores of Indians but has also become a symbol of India’s scientific journey," he said. The Prime Minister also announced a new postage stamp and a special commemorative coin to mark these achievements.

‘Mission Mausam,’ launched by Prime Minister Modi, is a forward-looking initiative aimed at advancing weather surveillance technologies and systems in India. The mission focuses on implementing high-resolution atmospheric observation tools, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computing systems to strengthen the country’s climate preparedness.

Additionally, the initiative seeks to enhance the understanding of weather and climate processes while providing comprehensive air quality data. This information will support long-term strategies for effective weather management and intervention.

“Meteorology offers the most important support for the disaster management capability of any country. To minimise the impact of natural disasters, we need to maximise the efficiency of meteorology," PM Modi said. “There is a need to develop warning systems for earthquakes and scientists and researchers should work in this direction."

Prime Minister Modi emphasised the need for scientists to develop advanced earthquake warning systems, highlighting that scientific progress and its effective application are pivotal to a nation’s global standing. On the occasion, he also unveiled the IMD’s Vision-2047 document, which outlines strategies for enhancing weather resilience and adapting to climate change. The Prime Minister further acknowledged India’s proactive role as a first responder to disaster-affected countries in the region.

The event witnessed the participation of prominent figures, including Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organisation; Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh; Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran; IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra; and several other dignitaries.

The Prime Minister highlighted the growing network of modern infrastructure established by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), including Doppler weather radars, automatic weather stations, runway weather monitoring systems, and district-wise rainfall monitoring stations. He expressed pride in the department’s advancements and noted the symbolic significance of IMD’s foundation on Makar Sankranti, with its 150th Foundation Day coinciding with this auspicious occasion.

“In 1975, IMD was founded on 15th January on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. We all know the importance of Makar Sankranti in India."

“I am from Gujarat and my favourite festival was Makar Sankranti. Today, the people of Gujarat go to their terraces and fly kites. Whenever I used to be in Gujarat, I did the same. Today, the Sun enters Capricorn and slowly moves towards the North, this process is called ‘Uttarayan’," he said.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh commended the efforts of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), highlighting a 50% improvement in the accuracy of weather forecasts under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He noted the significant expansion of the radar network, which has grown from a handful to 39 during the Modi government’s tenure, marking a substantial leap in the department’s capabilities.