Mission Mausam Explained: Objectives, Features And Significance

Source: PIB
GS I: Geography, GS III: Climate Change, Disaster and Management, Science and Technology

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Earth Sciences informed Parliament about measures to strengthen monsoon science, climate research, and weather forecasting in India.

News in Brief

• Studies indicate an increase in extreme rainfall events, deep convective clouds, and changes in monsoon behaviour over the Indian subcontinent.
• The government highlighted the role of Mission Mausam in improving climate modelling, weather prediction, and disaster preparedness.
• Parliament was informed about the expansion of observation networks, AI-based forecasting, and satellite data integration.
• The reply also outlined collaborations with national and international institutions to improve monsoon prediction and climate resilience.

About Mission Mausam

• Mission Mausam is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India , launched in September 2024.
• The ₹2,000 crore mission aims to make India a weather-ready and climate-smart nation, thereby reducing socio-economic losses caused by extreme weather events.
• Aims to strengthen India’s weather and climate forecasting capabilities through advanced science, modern infrastructure, and technology-driven forecasting systems.

Objectives

• Improve long-range, seasonal, and localized monsoon prediction skills using dynamic models.
• Enhance early warnings for high-impact events like cyclones, heavy floods, cloudbursts, and heatwaves.
• Build community resilience and safeguard infrastructure through proactive disaster preparedness.
• Foster self-reliance by building indigenous forecasting tools, supercomputing applications, and decision systems.

Major Features & Technical Framework

Advanced Climate Modelling

• Multi-Model Ensemble (MME)- Coupled dynamical atmosphere-ocean models to test multiple simulation paths simultaneously.
• NWP Improvements- Upgrades Numerical Weather Prediction systems with fine spatial grids and improved data assimilation.

Modern Observation Network

• Hardware Expansion- Deploys next-generation Doppler Weather Radars, wind profilers, and upper-air networks.
• Automated Units- Scales up Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) alongside real-time lightning detection grids.

Satellite and Global Integration

• Multi-Agency Data- Ingests observation streams from domestic and global space agencies including ISRO, IMD, NASA, NOAA, ESA, CMA, KMA, and JMA.
• Nowcasting Platforms (real-time weather forecasting systems)- Utilizes systems like IMD NOVA for rapid-fire thunderstorm tracking and real-time data integration.

Academic and Institutional Collaboration

• Grants and projects are awarded to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), universities, and premier domestic or international research bodies to spearhead monsoon and atmospheric studies.
• Primary technical execution is shared tightly between the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).

Technology and AI

• AI/ML Applications- Applies machine learning models to historical climate patterns for pattern recognition and corrections.
• High-Performance Computing- Leverages powerful supercomputers to process high-resolution reanalysis datasets (NGFS and IMDAA).

Last-Mile Dissemination

• Digital Portals- Connects rural planning via the Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal, e-GramSwaraj, and Mausamgram.
• Direct Outreach- Uses WhatsApp alerts and grassroots networks like Krishi Sakhi and Pashu Sakhi to deliver localized farm and safety advisories.

International Cooperation and Global Partnerships

• WMO Alignment- Active partnerships with global bodies like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) align India’s forecasting practices with international meteorological standards.
• Scientific Exchanges- Promotes cross-border data sharing, joint technical workshops, and global scientific exchanges to tackle broader South Asian and global climate resilience hurdles.

Significance and Challenges

• Enhances early warning lead times and accuracy for extreme events like cyclones, floods, and heatwaves to minimize loss of life and property.
• Delivers critical, actionable data for agriculture, aviation, energy, water resources, and disaster management.
• Upgrades atmospheric and ocean observations using advanced AI/ML models and high-performance supercomputing.
• Aims to decentralize forecasts to granular regional and panchayat levels.

Challenges

• India’s complex topography requires intricate, customized micro-models for precise prediction.
• Rapid, erratic shifts in global climate patterns complicate long-term modeling.
• Expanding high-tech observational networks like Doppler radars and automated stations into remote terrain remains logistically demanding.
• Ensuring that rural communities and smallholder farmers effectively interpret and act on digital advisories is an ongoing hurdle.

Way Forward and Conclusion

Mission Mausam marks a significant step towards building a resilient and climate-ready India by strengthening weather forecasting, advancing monsoon science, and improving early warning systems.

By integrating cutting-edge technologies, enhanced observations, and collaborative research, it aims to reduce disaster risks, support climate-sensitive sectors, and enable informed decision-making in the face of increasing weather extremes.

Key Takeaways

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UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Mission Mausam:

1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
2. It promotes AI/ML-based weather forecasting and high-performance computing.
3. It includes strengthening of Doppler Weather Radar and satellite observation networks.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only

Answer: C

Mains Practice Question

Q. “Accurate monsoon forecasting is critical for India’s agriculture, economy, and disaster resilience.” Discuss the role of modern weather forecasting systems in reducing disaster risks and enhancing climate resilience.” (250 words)

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