Need to develop earthquake warning systems: PM Modi

PTI, NEW DELHI, JAN 14, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged scientists to develop warning systems for earthquakes while noting that advanced weather forecasts have significantly reduced casualties and minimized economic losses caused by cyclones. Addressing a function to celebrate 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Modi also lauded the institution as a symbol of India’s scientific journey.

The Prime Minister noted how advanced weather forecasting has significantly reduced casualties during cyclones and minimized economic losses, boosting investor confidence and building economic resilience. The Prime Minister also launched 'Mission Mausam' for developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers. "We have launched 'Mission Mausam' to make India weather-ready and climate-smart," Modi said.

The celebrations were attended by World Meteorological Organisation Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh, Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, and a host of dignitaries. Modi also released the IMD's Vision-2047 document for weather resilience and climate change adaptation, a commemorative postage stamp, and a coin to mark 150 years of the IMD.

"Meteorology offers the most important support for the disaster management capability of any country. To minimize the impact of natural disasters, we need to maximize the efficiency of meteorology," the Prime Minister said. He recalled how the cyclone in Gujarat’s Kandla in 1998 and the 1999 Odisha supercyclone killed thousands. "But loss of life is minimal now because of better forecasts," he said.