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Gearing Up For Change: On IMD And Weather Analyses

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]

 

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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