Modernisation of India's Meteorological Capabilities

India has launched the Bharat Forecast System (BFS), marking a significant stride in modernising its meteorological capabilities to better address climate change and extreme weather events.

Key Features of the Bharat Forecast System (BFS)

• Resolution Improvement: Predicts weather at a granular 6-kilometre grid resolution, an upgrade from the previous 12-kilometre grid models, improving predictions over an area of 144 sq km.
• Grid Structure: Utilizes a triangular-cubic octahedral grid, enhancing resolution over the tropics.

Benefits of the BFS

• Localized Forecasts: Enables accurate weather predictions down to village levels, enhancing disaster preparedness and agricultural planning.
• Agricultural Impact: Empowers small and marginal farmers by improving decision-making in planting and harvesting, thus reducing crop losses.
• Disaster Management: Enhances predictions of floods, heatwaves, and cyclones, aiding swift governmental response and infrastructure protection.

Supporting Initiatives

• Mission Mausam: Complementing BFS with a ₹2,000 crore budget to upgrade India’s climate-forecasting infrastructure, including Doppler radars and AI integration.

Operational and Future Goals

• The BFS will be operational from the current monsoon season, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Aligned with the IMD’s Vision Document 2047, targeting 100% detection of severe weather at village levels and improving forecast accuracy over different time frames.

Challenges and Strategic Implementation

• Dissemination and Awareness: Emphasizes the need for timely dissemination, community awareness, and last-mile connectivity.
• Building Trust: Strengthening public trust in forecasts through training and communication strategies.
• Global Implications: Enhances India’s role in international climate-monitoring and regional disaster management.