Gearing Up For Change: On IMD And Weather Analyses

Gearing Up For Change: On IMD And Weather Analyses 20 Jan 2024

Gearing Up For Change: On IMD And Weather Analyses

Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “Gearing up for change: On IMD and weather analyses having contemporary relevance” which was published in The Hindu. Recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrated its 150th year of establishment

Relevancy for Prelims: India Meteorological Department (IMD), Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Tropical Cyclones, Southwest Monsoon, and Changing Rainfall Patterns In India’s Sub-Districts

Relevancy for Mains: India Meteorological Department (IMD)- Significance, Concerns and Way Forward.

Development of IMD by Britishers: 

  • To probe the mysteries of the southwest monsoon
  • Practical Need: The British administration, concerned about revenues, was aware of the influence of the monsoon on harvests and thus invested in predicting the monsoon. 
  • In the years since then, the IMD has collected huge stores of meteorological data that underlie its forecasts of the monsoon. 

Mandate of IMD

  • At present, IMD analyzes the entire spectrum of climate and weather, from cyclones to fog.
  • CEEW Data: The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) examines monsoon trends at the sub-divisional (tehsil) level, from 1982-2022. 

Findings of the Study with Parameters

Parameter Findings
Monsoon Rainfall Trends Across Tehsils (sub-districts) 1982-2022 55% of tehsils saw increased rainfall and 11% of tehsils saw decreased rainfall
Tehsils with Decreased Rainfall 68% saw reduced rainfall in all four monsoon months and 87% showed reduced rainfall in June and July specifically
Locations Most Affected by Decreased Rainfall Indo-Gangetic plains, Northeast India and Himalayan region
Contribution of These Regions to Farm Production Over half of India’s agricultural production
Monsoon Rainfall Trends Across Districts 30% of districts witnessed several deficient rainfall years and 38% witnessed several excessive rainfall years
Historically Dry Regions Getting Wetter Rajasthan, Gujarat, Central Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu
Increased Rainfall in October- December Northeast Monsoon 10% increase over last decade across 80% tehsils in Tamil Nadu, 44% in Telangana, 39% in Andhra Pradesh
Share of Rainfall from Various Monsoons Southwest monsoon – 76% of annual rainfall and Northeast monsoon – 11% of annual rainfall

Way Forward

  • Need for Regional Specific Plans: While revenue extraction guided colonial interest in weather at the regional levels, such analyses have a new, contemporary relevance. Now the time has come to make region-specific plans to improve climate resilience and channel necessary funds and resources. 
  • Need to Focus on Local Data: Prioritizing regional and sub-district forecasts over national ones, would be a commendable step forward by the government.
Mains Question: Discuss the meaning of color-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological department. [150 Words, 10 Marks]

 

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials

 

Follow Us

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.