GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 341
TO BE ANSWERED ON 19-8-2004

METEOROLOGICAL FORECASTING SYSTEM

341. SHRI R.P. GOENKA:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state

(a) whether Government have analysed the shortcomings in the present meteorological forecasting system;
(b) if so, the details thereof ;
(c ) whether it is a fact that a proposal has been formulated to procure some hi-tech world class equipment worth Rs. 500 crores to secure better overall meteorological forecasting and even for district-wise predictions; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and its present status

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT AS REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 341 FOR 19.8.2004 REGARDING "METEOROLOGICAL FORECASTING SYSTEM"

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Monsoon rainfall over the Indian peninsula is a result of several natural phenomena occurring across the globe. With the present day observational infrastructure and technology the world over, it is not possible to make predictions on spatial and temporal variations of the monsoon activity. However, on the basis of observations, patterns of rainfall across the country can be identified for making useful forecasts. The India Meteorological Department has been monitoring rainfall across the country since a long time and has already evolved models for forecasting the total seasonal rainfall as well as making short range forecast for meteorological sub-divisions. These forecasts have given important guidance to our operations, in particular, the agriculture operations. For improving forecasts, new models are always being introduced and used

(c)&(d) The process of upgradation of the observational systems is continuous. Better observations will help in improving the modeling for better forecasts. But as this process is evolutionary in nature, no time frame can be fixed for the same. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has come out with a proposal for investing Rs. 500 Crores in some important areas for improving observations and the forecast system. The proposal is being submitted for consideration of the Government. As already stated complexities of weather patterns over the Indian sub continent make it extremely difficult to make forecasts about small geographical regions like Districts.