India Plans ₹10,000-Crore Modernisation of Weather Forecasting
• The Indian government is planning a ₹10,000-crore initiative to modernise the country's weather forecasting systems under the expanded Mission Mausam programme. This proposal, currently under review by the finance ministry, aims to enhance prediction models, install advanced weather radars and satellites, and improve early-warning systems. The initiative seeks to address the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and floods, which have been disrupting daily life and economic activities. Since its launch in January 2025, Mission Mausam has already utilised ₹1,346 crore and allocated an additional ₹1,342 crore for FY
• Experts highlight the importance of denser observation networks, better computing, and higher-resolution models to improve forecasting accuracy.
Impact & Risks
The modernisation of weather forecasting is expected to benefit multiple sectors, including agriculture, aviation, logistics, and disaster management. With 43% of India's workforce engaged in farming, accurate weather predictions are crucial for mitigating the impact of extreme weather on livelihoods and infrastructure. According to the OECD, India loses 0.4% of its GDP annually due to natural disasters. Enhanced early-warning systems could significantly reduce damage, as studies suggest that 24 hours' notice of extreme weather can cut potential losses by 30%. The initiative also aims to address the rising economic and social costs of climate-related disruptions.
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