The Right to Information Act, 2005

Introduction

Government of India, in its Cabinet meeting held on 9^th May 2006, have approved formation of the Earth Commission and re-organisation of the Ministry of Ocean Development as Ministry of Earth Sciences. Earth Commission has been patterned on the lines of Atomic Energy Commission/ Space Commission for delegation and authority.

The 21^st century is likely to be dominated by concerns of water, global climate change, environment, land use and ocean resources. The need for taking up an integrated view of Earth System Sciences, i.e. land-ocean atmosphere is being recognized across the world. The Indian efforts till recently, were being independently made by individual agencies like Ministry of Ocean Development (now Ministry of Earth Sciences), India Meteorological Department (IMD), research institutes like Indian Institute of Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), a few laboratories of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), etc. There is a need to integrate these activities.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences aims to create a framework for understanding the complex interactions among key elements of the Earth System, namely ocean, atmosphere and solid earth, by encompassing the existing national programmes in meteorology, climate, environment and seismology. The Earth System Organisation (ESO) will act as an executive mechanism under the Ministry of Earth Science, consisting of two major entities – (i) Ocean Science and Technology Department, and (ii) India Meteorological Department. In addition, the Earth System Organisation would have, at its Headquarters, the Ministry of Earth Sciences office and the Programme Offices for coordination among the constituent organisations and units engaged in similar work in other departments, academic institutions and research bodies. The Ocean Science and Technology Department consists of the existing centres and attached offices of the erstwhile Ministry of Ocean Development. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) would be active partners of the ESO.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences will provide the nation with best possible services in forecasting the monsoons and other weather/ climate parameters, ocean state, earthquakes, tsunamis and other phenomena related to earth systems through well integrated programmes and utilizing world class science and technology resources. In addition, the Ministry will work on science and technology for exploration and exploitation of ocean resources (living and non-living), and play nodal role for Antarctic/ Arctic and Southern Ocean research. The Ministry would closely work with other agencies both public and private to provide them scientific and technical support and assist in ensuring adequate preparedness for handling natural disasters.

The Right to Information Act, 2005

India Meteorological Department

MANUAL-(I)

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The particulars of its organization, functioning and duties.

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1. PARTICULARS OF ORGANIZATION

1.1 Historical Background:

The beginnings of meteorology in India can be traced to ancient times. The Upanishadas contain serious discussion about the processes of cloud formation and rain and the seasonal cycles caused by the movement of earth round the sun. Varahamihira’s classical work, the Brihatsamhita, written around 500 A.D., provides a clear evidence that a deep knowledge of atmospheric processes existed even in those times. It was understood that rains come from the sun (Adityat Jayate Vrishti) and that good rainfall in the rainy season was the key to bountiful agriculture and food for the people. Kautilya’s Arthashastra contains records of scientific measurements of rainfall and its application to the country’s revenue and relief work; Kalidasa in his epic, “Meghdoot” written around the seventh century, even mentions the date of onset of the monsoon over central India and traces the path of the monsoon clouds.

Meteorology, as we perceive it now, may be said to have had its firm scientific foundation in the 17^th century after the invention of the thermometer and the barometer and the formulation of laws governing the behaviour of atmospheric gases. It was in 1636 that Halley, a British scientist, published his treatise on the Indian summer monsoon, which he attributed to a seasonal reversal of winds due to the differential heating of the Asian land mass and the Indian Ocean.

India is fortunate to have some of the oldest meteorological observatories of the world. The British East India Company established several such stations, for example, those at Calcutta in 1785 and Madras (now Chennai) in 1796 for studying the weather and climate of India. The Asiatic Society of Bengal founded in 1784 at Calcutta, and in 1804 at Bombay (now Mumbai), promoted scientific studies in meteorology in India. Captain Harry Piddington at Calcutta published 40 papers during 1835-1855 in the Journal of the Asiatic Society dealing with tropical storms and coined the word “Cyclone”, meaning the coil of a snake. In 1842 he published his monumental work on the “Laws of the Storms”. In the first half of the 19^th Century, several observatories began functioning in India under the provincial governments.

Very early in the history of IMD, the importance of the puplication of scientific results had been recognized. Blandford introduced the publication of the “Memories of the IMD” and him self authored several of them. His work on the rainfall of India is unsurpassable in clarity of thought and content. In view of the importance of foreshadowing monsoon seasonal rainfall for the agricultural economy of the country, Blandford initiated the system of Long Range Forecasting (LRF). The system of LRF of monsoon rains went through several evolutionary phases and eminent pioneers like Sir J. Eliot and Sir Gilbert Walker (Both Directors–General of Observatories) and generations of Indian researchers have made their contributions to this scientific effort. To Sir Gilbert Walker also goes the credit of linking the monsoon with global meteorological situations and his discovery of the so-called Southern Oscillation phenomenon. Swings of the Southern Oscillation were later linked by J. Bjerknes with the EI nino in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and Bjerknes also coined the term “Walker circulation” for describing the east west vertical circulation in the equatorial plane in honour of walker.

Blanford had recognized the need for inducting young Indian in IMD and the first two Indians Lala Ruchin Ram Sahni (Father of Professor Birbal Sahni) and Lala Hemraj joined IMD in 1884 and 1886 respectively. The Indianisation of IMD was accelerated under Walker, soon after World War I, and further boosted by Sir C.W.B. Normand (Director-General during 1928 to 1944) Normand was succeeded by Dr. S.K. Banerji as the first Indian DGO in 1944. During these years, many Indian scientists joined IMD and they took IMD to greater heights themselves in the post – independence era.

1.2 Development of meteorology in India

From a modest beginning in 1875, IMD has progressively

expanded its infrastructure for meteorological observations, communications, forecasting and weather services and it has achieved a parallel scientific growth. IMD has always used contemporary technology. In the telegraph age, it made extensive use of weather telegrams for collecting observational data and sending warnings. Later IMD became the first organization in India to have a message switching computer for supporting its global data exchange. One of the first few electronic computers introduced in the country was provided to IMD for scientific applications in meteorology. India was the first developing country in the world to have its own geostationary satellite, INSAT, for continuous weather monitoring of this part of the globe and particularly for cyclone warning.

IMD has continuously ventured into new areas of application and service, and steadily built upon its infrastructure. It has simultaneously nurtured the growth of meteorology and atmospheric science in India. Today, meteorology in India is poised at the threshold of an exciting future.

2. FUNCTIONS OF IMD

IMD is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the Principal Government Agency in all matters relating to Meteorology, Seismology and allied subjects.

2.1 Major Objectives

- To take meteorological observations and to provide current and forecast meteorological information for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, off-shore oil exploration etc.

- To warn against severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones, norwesters, dust storms, heavy rains and snow, cold & heat waves etc. which causes destruction of life and property.

- To provide meteorological statistics required for agriculture, water resource management, industries, oil exploration and other nation-building activities.

- To conduct and promote research in meteorology and allied disciplines.

- To detect and locate earthquakes and to evaluate seismicity in different parts of the country for development projects.

- To study and identify the potential consequences of an earthquake, both in relation to existing structures as well as in the planning and locating new facilities “in terms of cost effectiveness”.

2.2 Functions

- Install and maintain Departmental observatories, provide equipment and technical support for set up of observational networks of State Governments, other authorized agencies and ships of the voluntary observation fleet. Set up infrastructure for Satellite remote sensing of meteorological parameters.

- Record observations of meteorological parameters in India over land and adjoining sea areas on a routine basis. Receive and process satellite data from Indian and Foreign satellites.

- Maintain fast telecommunication links within the country and the world for dissemination of meteorological observations and exchange of meteorological products.

- Analyse and process meteorological data collected from observatories within the country and outside.

- Issue forecasts of weather events and meteorological parameters viz. temperatures, rainfall, humidity, winds and sky condition within the country for stipulated periods. Issue of forecasts and warnings of high impact weather events like Cyclonic Storms, Thunderstorms, Squalls, Tornados, Storm surge etc, and warnings of specific parameters viz. strong winds, heavy rainfall, heavy snowfall, hail storms, waves and tides, etc.

- Disseminate weather information, advisories and warnings to the Public through media, to Government Departments and District authorities,

- Scrutinise and process meteorological observations for assimilation into climatological archives.

- Design, develop, manufacture and maintain meteorological and seismological instruments and procure sophisticated equipment for modernising observatories.

- Maintain a network of seismological observatories to record earthquakes and study of the earth’s crust.

- To provide a purposive turning point to guide national endeavour in mitigating the disastrous impacts of earthquake and to provide earthquake risk related knowledge products.

- Provide training facilities to all branches of meteorology, Seismology, telecommunication and instruments.

- Conduct research in theoretical and applied meteorology, Seismology and allied topics.

- International cooperation in meteorology and seismology.

- Provide hydrometeorological information and inputs for water resource management and flood forecasting.

- Maintain liaison with other scientific organisations in the country in the fields of agriculture, hydrology, oceanography, air pollution etc.

- To participate in special expeditions of meteorological interest like Antarctic Expeditions, Study of Himalayan glaciers, total Solar Eclipse, etc.

- To conduct study in Positional Astronomy, bring out related publication and issue Radio Times Signals.

3. ORGANISATION

The Director General of Meteorology is the Head of the India Meteorological Department, with headquarters at New Delhi. He is assisted by 5 Additional Directors General and 20 Deputy Directors General. 04 Additional Directors General and 10 Deputy Directors General are located in New Delhi, 01 Additional Director General and 05 Deputy Directors General are located at Pune.

For the convenience of administrative and technical control, there are 06 Regional Meteorological Centres, each under a Deputy Director General with headquarters at Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Nagpur and Guwahati. In addition, there are separate divisions to deal with specialised subjects. They are:

(i) Agricultural Meteorology

(ii) Civil Aviation

(iii) Hydrometeorology

(iv) Instrumentation

(v) Climatology

(vi) Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre

(vii) Positional Astronomy

(viii) Seismology

(ix) Earthquake Risk Evaluation Centre

(x) Satellite Meteorology

(xi) Telecommunication

(xii) Training

Under the administrative control of Deputy Director General, there are different types of operational units such as Meteorological Centres, Forecasting Offices, Agrimet. Advisory Centres, Flood Meteorological Offices and Cyclone Detection Radar Stations.

3.1 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The India Meteorological Department attached to Ministry of Earth Sciences w.e.f. 12.07.2006. The constitution of each commission was done by President of India w.e.f. 09.01.2007. The main features of this new set-up are as follows:-

Composition of the Earth Commission

Dr. P. S. Goel : Chairman

Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Sh. T. K. A. Nair : Member

Principal Secretary to Prime Minister

Sh. V. K. Duggal : Member

Home Secretary

Sh. R.R. Saha : Member

Member Secretary, Planning Commission.

Dr. Sanjiv Mishra : Member

Secretary (Expenditure)

Member (Finance) : Member

(Common for Space Commission, Atomic

Energy Commission & Earth Commission.

Prof. R. Narasimha : Member

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced

Scientific Research, Bangalore

Prof. S. K. Dubey : Member

Director, Indian Institute of Technology

Kharagpur.

Dr. B. N. Goswami : Member

Director, Indian Institute of Tropical

Meteorology, Pune.

Dr. Satish Shetye : Member

Director, National Institute of Oceanography,

Goa.

Dr. P. K. Mishra : Member

Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture

Sh. Ajay Prasad : Member

Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation.

3.2 OBSERVATIONAL ORGANISATION

A brief description of each types of observatory is given in the following paragraphs. Details regarding observations records, their frequency, the normal component of staff employed and the distribution of the observatories among the Regional Meteorological Canters are given in the Annexure –I.

3.2.1 Surface Observatories

Surface Observatories as far as possible are located one in each district so as to meet the requirements of agricultural, transport and other operations. Of the 556 observatories, about 66.7% are manned by staff of State Governments/Schools etc. on payment of an allowance by the Department. The instruments and stores are provided by the Department.

3.2.2 Upper Air Observatories (Radiosonde, Radio wind and Pilot Balloon Observatories)

There are at present 62 Pilot Balloon Observatories, 39 Radiosonde/ Radiowind and 01 Radiosonde Observatory. The upper air meteorological data thus collected all over the country are used on real time basis for operational forecasting. These data are also processed on computer and short period averages of Radiosonde data and normal of Radio wind data have been brought out.

3.2.3 Aeronautical Meteorological Instruments

For safety of Aircraft operations, particularly at the time of landing and take off, Modern meteorological instruments “Current Weather Instruments System” (CWIS) have been installed at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Guwahati and at Nagpur for continuous monitoring of runway visibility, height of cloud base and other weather elements, such as surface wind, air temperature and dew point temperature. Two Nos. dual-baseline transmission meters are also installed at Kolkata, Airport for ILS CAT III Operations.

3.2.4 Cyclone Detection Radars

There are 11 Nos. of S-band Cyclone Detection Radar Stations viz. Kolkata,

Para deep, Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Chennai, Karaikal, Kochi, Goa, Mumbai and Bhuj. Out of these 11 stations, 6 stations (except Chennai & Kolkata) are using conventional radars. Two number of S-Band Doppler Weather Radars (Metero 1500S) imported from M/s Gematronik Germany has been installed,/ commissioned and made operational at Chennai and Kolkata respectively with effect from 22.02.2002 and 29.1.2003, 8.12.2004 and 27.7.2006. One indigenous Doppler Weather Radar developed by ISRO under IMD-ISRD collaboration has been installed and made operational at SHAR Centre, SriHari Kota (Andhra Pradesh) with effect from 9.4.2004. The EFC proposal for procurement & installation of two imported Doppler Weather Radar on each at Paradeep and Mumbais is in advance stage of processing supply order has been placed on M/s Bharat Electronic Limited, Bangalore in March, 2006 for two indigenous Doppler Weather Radars to be installed at Bhuj and Kochi. The first radar is scheduled for commissioning by December, 2008. Delivery period is 24 months and 30 months respectively.

It is also planned to replace the remaining existing old conventional CDRs by the state of art S-Band Doppler Weather Radar in a phased manner. Doppler Weather Radars provide vital information on radial velocity within tropical cyclone which is not available in conventional radar. A conventional radar provides information on reflectivity and range only whereas a DWR provides velocity and spectral width data alongwith various Meteorological, Hydrological and Aviation products which are very useful for forecasters in estimating the storm’s centre, its intensity, fixing its position and predicting its future path. The Doppler Weather Radar generates these products through a variety of software algorithms.

3.2.5 Storm Detection Radars

There are at present 9 X-Band, working on 3 cm. Wavelength for the purpose of storm detection, these are installed at Kolkata, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur and Agartala airports. Also, there are two S-Band radars working on 10 cm Wavelength at Sriganganagar and Jaisalmer for warning against convective clouds and thunder storm formation and one S-Band Radar at Mausam Bhawan, Delhi for testing/training purpose.

Wind Finding Radars

There are 9 X-Band Wind Finding Radars working on 3 cm wavelength at Bhubneshwar A.P, Goa, Mangalore, Visakhapatnam, Bhopal A.P, Karaikal, Machillipatnam, Patna A.P., and Thiruvananthapuram.

Weather cum Wind Finding Radars

There are 8 X-Band radars working on 3 cm wavelength which are used for Weather Cum Wind finding purpose. These radars are installed at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Mohanbari, Chennai & Hyderabad Airports, Delhi (HQ), Patiala and Srinagar.

Ten X Band radars (at Ahmedabad, Goa, Mangalore, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Bhubneshwar, Kolkata, Guwahati, Ranchi & Bangalore) out of 26 X-Band radars mentioned above have been replaced by latest digital technology EEC radars. These radars have the facility of computer controlled operation with presentation of wind profile data and display of colors picture of clouds on monitor and hard copy print outs of these images. One Doppler Weather Radar imported from M/s Gematronik, Germany, Commissioned w.e.f. 0900 UTC of 27.7.2006.

3.2.6 Hydro meteorological Observatories

These observatories recording mainly precipitation data, were set up in connection with flood forecasting, river basin studies (like the Damodar Valley, Ganga, Brahamputra etc.) compilation of rainfall statistics for use in construction of dams, railways and road bridges, evaluation of snow-melt in Himalayan rivers and water balance and glaciological studies. These observatories are manned by part-time staff. The number of observatories depends upon the need of the specific project. The expenditure involved in the observatories set up for projects undertaken on behalf of other organization, is recovered from the sponsoring agency.

3.2.7 Non-departmental Rain gauge Stations

In addition to the raingauges maintained by the Department, State Governments are maintaining over 7610 raingauge stations whose data are made available to the India Meteorological Department in manuscript form.

3.2.8 Agrometeorological Observatories

These observatories supply meteorological data to the India Meteorological Department. They are maintained by the State Agricultural and Irrigation Department, Agricultural Research Institutes and research farms, The India Meteorological Department renders technical assistance to these organisations in selection of site, procurement, testing and standardization of instruments, setting up of observatories, their inspection and training the personnel.

3.2.9 Evaporation Observatories

Standard USA open pan-evaporimeters are installed at 238 observatories to measure evaporation. Most of these are at departmental observatories and few are part-time observatories and Agromet. Observatories. The staff employed for taking other observations also record evaporation.

3.2.10 Evapotranspiration Stations

Evapotranspiration in plants is measured by means of lysimeters at 40 stations to determine the water requirement of important crops. The network of 40 stations is the representative of different agro-climatic regions in the country. Three of these evapotranspiration stations will be provided with additional instruments to undertake more intensive studies on crop weather relationship. At present three stations are functioning at Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra Farm, Bangalore; Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri with additional meteorological instruments.

3.2.11 Soil Moisture Observational Network

43 soil moisture stations are at present functioning. Most of these stations are manned by departmental personnel.

3.2.12 Dew Fall Measuring Stations

Besides rainfall, dew fall is one of the secondary source of moisture available to the crops. It plays a significant role in plant growth, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. It is measured from September to April by 76 observatories.

3.2.13 Seismological Observatories

India Meteorological Department is maintaining the National Seismological Network (NSN) consisting of 47 Seismological Observatories. Four more Seismological Observatories are also being maintained for river valley studies under the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Twenty four of the NSN stations are equipped with state-of-the-art digital seismograph systems and matching V-SAT based communication facilities for real time downloading of earthquake waveform data. The NSN stations are also equipped with Strong Motion Accelerograph systems for recording strong ground motions expected during major earthquakes. The functioning of the Central Seismological Observatory, Shillong and Ridge Seismological Observatory, Delhi also comes under the ambit of Seismology Division at HQ.

India Meteorological Department is also maintaining a local network consisting of 16 field stations under Delhi Telemetry Network to monitor the earthquake activities in the region. These 16 field stations are connected with Central Receiving Stations (CRS) at New Delhi through V-Sat communication Systems. The ground motion data generated at these field stations is received at CRS New Delhi on real time mode. In addition IMD maintains a set of digital portable seismograph systems for specific earthquake related studies all over the country.

3.2.14 Earthquake Risk Evaluation Centre (EREC)

There are at present 16 field stations under Delhi. Telemetry Network to monitor the earthquake activities in the region. These 10 field stations are connected with Central Receiving Stations (CRS) at New Delhi through V-Sat communications Systems. The ground motion data generated at these field stations is received at CRS New Delhi on real time mode. In addition EREC maintains a set of digital portable seismograph for specific earthquake related studies all over the country.

3.2.15 Ozone Observatories

Ozone in the atmosphere is monitored through a network of observatories (Figure 3). The Observational programme consists of:

(a) Total ozone and Umkehr observations by Dobson Ozone spectrophotometer are taken daily from 4 stations viz. Delhi, Varanasi, Pune and Srinagar. At New Delhi, Kodaikanal, Maitri (Antarctica) stations, ozone is monitored with Brewer Spectrophotometer which has an additional facility to measure NO₂, SO₂ and UV-B radiation also.

(b) Vertical ozone profile by IMD-made balloon-borne ozonesonde (fortnightly) at 4 stations viz. New Delhi, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram and Maitri (Antarctica).

(c) Surface ozone measurement with electrochemical instruments at 7 stations viz. New Delhi, Nagpur, Pune, Kodaikanal, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram and Maitri (Antarctica).

Research facilities:- A high quality data on ozone is available at the “National Data Centre” Pune and also the National Ozone Centre established at IMD, New Delhi. This centre has been also designated as the Regional Centre for the Regional Association II (Asia) of the world meteorological organisation (WMO).

3.2.16 Radiation Observatories

(i) Surface Observatories

There are at present 45 radiation observatories (20 Principal and 19 ordinary and 6 other types) recording limited radiation parameters.

(ii) Upper Air Observatories

Besides the measurements on the surface, fortnightly airborne sounding with radiometersonde to measure directly the vertical distribution of the infra-red radiative fluxes and radiation cooling from surface upto a height of 20 Km or more in the free atmosphere, are made at New Delhi, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune, Nagpur, Jodhpur, Kolkata and Bhubaneswar. Radiometersonde ascents are being conducted regularly at Maitri, the Indian Antarctic station also.

3.2.17 Atmospheric Electricity Measurement

Continuous and automatic recording of surface electrical potential gradient and electrical conductivity are being done at Pune. The study of surface potential gradient is now being done at three more stations viz. Nagpur, Thiruvananthapura and Srinagar.

3.2.18 Automatic Weather Stations.

A data receiving earth station has also been installed at Pune for receiving data from Automatic Weather Stations. ISRO has also planned installation of 25 AWS to operate in TDMA mode and for trial a TDMA receiving station has also been installed at Pune for ISRO.

3.2.19 Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) [formerly BAPMoN]

With a view to document the long term changes in chemical composition of the atmosphere and related parameters IMD established a network of 10 GAW stations under WMO’s GAW monitoring program. The Indian GAW network includes Allahabad, Jodhpur, Kodaikanal, Minicoy, Mohanbari, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Srinagar and Vishakhapatnam covering different geographic regions. At these stations chemical composition of precipitation and atmospheric turbidity is determined. Total suspended particulate matter is also measured for varying period at Jodhpur using High Volume Air Sampler.

Precipitation Chemistry Program: Wet precipitation samples collected at GAW stations are sent to Chemical laboratory at Pune where these are analysed for PH, conductivity, major cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K) and major anions (SO₄, NO₃, Cl). Measurements of organic acids in precipitation will be undertaken in near future.

Atmospheric Turbidity Program:

Atmospheric Turbidity which indicates the columnar aerosol load of the atmosphere; is also measured at these GAW stations using Volz’s Sunphotometers. This single channel Sunphotometer is being replaced in phased manner by the multichannel Sunphotometer purchased recently under Plan Scheme. In the first phase these are installed at Pune, Nagpur & Kodaikanal, Atmospheric Turbidity is also measured at Antarctica and one multichannel Sunphotometer has been handed over to the team of 23^rd Antarctica Expedition.

These data from GAW stations provide reliable long-term observations of the chemical composition of the atmosphere and related parameters in order to improve our understanding of atmospheric chemistry and to organize assessment in support of formulating environment policy. Chemical composition of precipitation is useful in quantifying the level of pollution due to increasing anthropogenic acitivities.

Urban Climatological Units

To study the impact of industrialisational urbanisation and terrain modifications on micro-climatological features of urban areas, urban climatological studies are carried at Delhi and Kolkata by taking observations at a number of observatories in the different parts of the cities.

The existing network, a few Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) using state of the art technology are added to the existing network. These are installed at C.Ag.M.O., Pune, Chennai, Goa, Mumbai, Harnai, Ratnagiri, Cannanore, Thiruvananthapuram, Karaikal and Kolkata.

3.3 Types of Observatories

TABLE

The Observational Organization as on 1.10.2005 is as under

Types of Observatories Number

(1) Surface Observatories 556

(2) Pilot Balloon Observatories 65

(3) (a) RS/RW Observatories 34

(b) RS Observatory 1

(4) Aviation Current Weather Observatories 73

(5) Aviation Forecasting Offices at National & 19

International Airports

(6) Regional Area Forecast Centre 1

(7) Storm Detection Radar Stations 17

(8) Cyclone Detection Radar Stations 10

(9) High Wind Recording Stations 22

(10) Stations for receiving cloud pictures from

Satellites :-

(a) Low Resolution Cloud Pictures 7

(b) High Resolution Cloud Pictures 1

(d) APT Stations in Antarctica 1

(e) AVHRR Station 1

(11) Data Collection Platforms through INSAT 101

(12) Hydrometeorological Observatories 633

(13) (i) Non-departmental raingauge stations :

(a) Reporting 7610

(b) Non-Reporting 4959

(ii) Non-departmental Glaciological

Observatories (Non-reporting) :

(a) Snowgauges 21

(b) Ordinary Raingauges 10

(14) Agrometeorological Observatories 228

(15) Evaporation Stations 238

(16) Evapotranspiration Stations 39

(17) Seismological Observatories 58

(18) (a) Total Ozone and Umkehr Observatories 5

(b) Ozone-sonde Observatories 3

(19) Radiation Observatories :

(a) Surface 45

(b) Upper Air 8

(20) Atmospheric Electricity Observatories 4

(21) (a) Background Pollution Observatories 10

(b) Urban Climatological Units 2

(22) Ships of the Indian Voluntary Observiang Fleet 203

(23) Soil Moisture Recording Stations 55

(24) Dew-fall Recording Stations 75

(The Ozone Network, Radars Network, RS/RW Network, and existing Network of radiation stations are shown in Figs. 3 to 8 respectively.)

4. MAIN DIVISIONS

4.1 WEATHER FORECASTING ORGANISATION

Weather Forecasting forms an important activity of the department and it caters to the need of a large number of interest. In India, weather forecasting at present consists of indicating the detailed weather conditions that are likely to occur in specified areas for periods upto two days. Outlook in general terms for periods upto a week is also given. The forecasts are also issued as warning to user against adverse weather.

TABLE

The Organisation for providing different types of forecasts and warnings is given in the table below :-

S.No

Category/Meteorological

Offices issuing Weather

Forecasting

Details of Service

User Interest

Aviation

Meteorological Offices at

Agartala,Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhu-baneswar, Mumbai, Kolkata,Delhi(Palam),Safdarjung,Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chennai, Mohanbari, Nagpur Patna & Thiruvanantha- puram

(i) Forecasts of upper winds temperature etc. for flight planning

(ii) Flight forecasts in tabular form/corresponding prognostic charts cross-sections etc.

(iii)Terminal Aerodrome Forecast & aerodrome warnings.

(iv) SIGMET Warning (by Met. watch offices Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi & Chennai only)

Airlines

Airlines & Air Traffic Control

Regional Area Forecast Centre, New Delhi

Supply of SADIS , Products such as grid point prognostic charts and SIGWS charts for the region from Middle-East to South-East Asia

National & International Airlines

Tropical Cyclone Advisory Centre, New Delhi

Advisory information on tropical cyclones to Aviation Met. offices in India and neighboring countries

National & International Airlines

Marine

Cyclone Warning Centres at Kolkata (Alipore), Mumbai (Colaba), Chennai (Nungambakkam), Ahmedabad,Bhubaneswar & Visakhapatnam (6)

(i) Forecasts for Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea.

(ii) Coastal forecasts

(iii) Cyclone Warnings.

(iv) Port Warnings.

Ships

Ships, Govt. Deptts. Maritime

State & Public Ports

Cyclone Warning Centre at Mumbai, Kolkata & ISONSHAC, Pune

Fleet Forecast twice a day, frequency of bulletins increases to four during tropical storm period for Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean upto 10^oS (60^oE to 100^oE)

Indian Navy

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), ACWC Mumbai, Kolkata & INOSHAC, Pune.

Bulletins twice a day are issued for Met. area VIII N for Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean

To north of Equator. The frequency increases to six during tropical storm period

All ships

Fisheries

Cyclone Warning Centres at Kolkata (Alipore), Mumbai (Colaba), Chennai (Nungambakkam), Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam (6)

(i) Adverse weather along coast, 4 times daily (including nil warnings).

(ii) Cyclone Warning

(i)Fishing Craft through A.I.R.

(ii) Fisheries officials

Agriculture

(a) Regional Met. Centres/Met. Centres at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Mumbai, Bhubaneswar,Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chennai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Patna,Srinagar,Thiruvananthapuram and Chandigarh (17)

(i) Farmer’s weather Bulletins (2 bulletins are issued daily during rainy season)

(iii) Agricultural advisory message

Message for Farmer’s broadcast from A.I.R. stations in local languages

(b) Meteorological Offices at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar,Kolkata, Chandigarh, Shimla, Gangtok, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chennai, New Delhi, Patna, Pune, Srinagar & Thiruvananthapuram, Dehradun and Raipur

Agromet. Advisory service Bulletins (weekly/ By-weekly)

Advisories for Farmer’s broadcast/

Telecasts in local languages through AIR/Door-darshan)

Floods

Agra, Ahmedabad, Asansol, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jalpaiguri, Lucknow, New Delhi & Patna (10)

(i)Quantitative precipitation forecasts

(ii) Prevailing Synoptic situation

(iii)Heavy rainfall warning

(iv) Realised Average precipitation for each sub-basin during past 12/24 hours

(v) Point rainfall data of selected stations

Water Resources Flood Forecasting

Division of CWC (Total No. 19)

Reservoir Management

(a) Kolkata (Alipore)

(b) Bhubaneswar (F.M.O.)

Forecasts of rainfall in:-

Damodar Valley

Mahanadi Catchment

Godavari Catchment

DVC Management

Hirakund Dam Project

Authorities Maharashtra Govt.

General

Mumbai (Colaba)

Pune (Weather Central)

Pune (INOSHAC)

Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chennai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Patna, Srinagar & Thiruvananthapuram (17)

RMC New Delhi

Wind, weather, visibility, sea swell and cyclone warnings

All India Weather forecasts

(i) Weather Bulletins are issued twice a day describing salient features between 20^o E and 155^oE and between 45^o N and 5^o S based on 00z and 12z.

(ii) Fleet forecast issued twice a day for sea area between 60^oE to 100^oE and 5^oN to 10^o S. The frequency increase to four during tropical Storm period

(iii)Daily two bulletins of GMDSS originated w.e.f. 1.10.98 for Met. area VIII(N) to the north of Equator on regular basis. During tropical cyclones in four additional special bulletins are also originated.

(i) Forecasts for one or more States for next two days.

(ii) Local forecasts for Capital cities.

(iii) Warnings against adverse weather

(i)Weather forecast is provided 3 times daily to State Govt. authorities to regulate Amar Nath ji Yatra during 40 days period.

(ii)Weather forecast is provided to Govt. to regulate Kailash Mansarovar yatra during the 3 month period.

(iii) Weather forecast information is provided on IVRA by dailing No.1717 from Met. Office Safdarjung for 37 important cities and all the four metros.

Oil and Natural Gas Commission

Newspapers and AIR

Departmental Offices

Public Newspapers, AIR and Govt. officials about 1500 officials registered with different offices.

World Weather Watch (WWW)

Northern Hemisphere Analysis Centre (Designated as Regional Specialised Met. Centre under WWW from 1.7.1998)

Analysis and Prognosis for South Asia.

Meteoro-logical offices within the country and outside

Long Range Forecasts

Meteorological Office, Pune

(a) Forecasts of

Southwest Monsoon rainfall (June-Sept.) over India as a whole issued during mid-April.

(b) Updated Forecast of Southwest Monsoon rainfall (June-Sept.) over India as a whole and Forecasts for Peninsular India, North-West India and North-East India issued in the first week of July

(c) Forecast for Southwest monsoon rainfall for the month of July over India as a whole issued in the first week of July

(d) North-East monsoon rainfall(October-December) over South peninsula issued in the first week of October

(e) Rabi season rainfall (Oct.-March) over North-West India issued in the first week of October

(f) Precipitation during winter season over North-West India issued in the first week of January.

Govt. officials, Public and News papers

Govt. Officials,

Public and Newspapers

Govt. Officials

4.2 METEOROLOGICAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Meteorological telecommunication of India Meteorological Department (IMD) consists of an integrated network of point-to-point circuits and multipoint circuits which inter connect meteorological centers within the country and the world for receiving data and relaying it selectively. It is mainly organized on a two level basis, namely

I) The meteorological telecommunication network within the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) of World Weather Watch (WWW) program of World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and

II) The National Meteorological Telecommunication Network (NMTN)

IMD maintains an extensive telecommunication network with a central hub in Mausam Bhavan, New Delhi. The Regional telecommunication hub (RTH), New Delhi, located on the Main Trunk Network (MTN) is the core network of GTS. RTH New Delhi is directly connected with World Meteorological Center (WMC) Moscow (IPVPN), RTH Tokyo (IPVPN) and RTH Cairo on the MTN. RTH New Delhi is also directly connected with RTH Beijing (IPVPN), RTH Jeddah and WMC Melbourne located on the MTN, RTHs Bangkok and Tehran and National Meteorological Centers (NMCS) Colombo, Dhaka, Karachi, Kathmandu, Male, Muscat and Yangon in the Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Networks (RMTNS). Present status of circuits in the GTS connected with RTH. New Delhi is given at Annexure-I.

The national meteorological telecommunication network consists of 37 high speed (64 kbps), 1 medium speed (2400 bps), 15 satellite based data reception system by using m/s. World space technology, 4 integrated data reception and analysis system,67 stations having HF/RT facility, 47 stations with vhf (including walkie- talkie) facility, internet connectivity at all important stations, 5 new VSAT (micro-earth stations), 5 stations with automatic message system (AMSS) and 4 pc based current weather display systems.

Meteorological data and processed products containing 3 hourly INSAT imageries, surface and upper air data, aerodrome forecast, Wx. Charts and model outputs, etc. Exchanged over gts are broadcast using world space ASIA STAR satellite. The broadcast covers large areas of middle- east and south- east asia.

Imd’s website (http://www.imd.ernet.in) is operational since 1^st june, 2000. All the forecasting products like charts, warnings, satellite imageries, rainfall information are placed and timely updated in imd’s website. Another website http://www.imd.gov.in is also operational. The regional meteorological centers are also having their own websites and many stations have been provided with internet facility. On account of increasing demand of public to view imd’s website and to avoid choking of these links, telecom division has already upgraded these links through service providers by increasing bandwidth from 128 kbps to 2 mbps for the website imd.ernet.in and from 2 mbps to 4 mbps for the website imd.gov.in. Additionally an internet link working at 10 mbps has been added in March 2008.

Popularly known as weather on phone, the interactive voice response system (IVRS) is functioning with effect from July, 2000. One can access current weather and forecast for major indian cities by dialing toll free number 1800 180 1717. In the new system 26 cities will be provided with IVRS with central monitoring from RTH New Delhi.

A receive only satellite data dissemination system (SADIS) is in operation at New Delhi to receive aeronautical meteorological information from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) centers which are routed to four international airports of India for national and international flight briefing and for providing data in GRIB/ BUFR format for wind/ temperature and sig. Wx. Charts.

Under the marine meteorological broadcast system GMDSS (global maritime distress safety system) of WMO/ IMO, IMD bulletins are broadcast through in marsat safety net system. The message are also kept on imd web site..

Stations having departmental Telecom. facilities

(a) International Circuit As on 31.03.2008

Present Status of Circuits in the GTS connected with RTH, New Delhi

Circuit	speed	Procedure Application	Exchange data type
New Delhi-Moscow	128 KBPS IPVPN	TCP/IP/FTP	Message(A/N,BIN)*
New Delhi-Tokyo	128 KBPS IPVPN	TCP/IP/ socket	Message(A/N,BIN)
New Delhi-Beijing	128 KBPS IPVPN	TCP /IP/FTP	Message(A/N)
New Delhi-Jeddah	64 KBPS	TCP/IP socket	Message(A/N)
New Delhi-Cairo	64 KBPS	TCP/IP socket	Message(A/N)
New Delhi-Bangkok**	200 Baud	T/P	Message(ASCII)
New Delhi-Melbourne	Internet	TCP socket,	Message(A/N)
New Delhi-Male	Internet	TCP socket,	Message(A/N)
New Delhi-Karachi	64 KBPS	TCP socket	Message(A/N)
New Delhi-Muscat	Internet	TCP socket,	Message(A/N)
New Delhi-Dhaka	64 KBPS	TCP/IP socket	Message(A/N)
New Delhi-Yangon	Internet	TCP/IP	Message(ASCII)
New Delhi-Tehran	75 baud	T/P	Message(ASCII)
New Delhi-Colombo	Internet	TCP/IP	Message(ASCII)
New Delhi-Kathmandu	50 baud	T/P	Message(ASCII)

*A/N : Alpha-numeric

B/N : Binary

** : Being upgraded to 64 Kbps shortly

(b) National Circuits

(i) High Speed links (upto 2Mbps) 37

(ii) Data Circuits (2400 BPS) 01

(iii) IVRS stations 18 out of 26 installed

(iv) Stations provided VPN 16

(iv) Satellite based data reception system

by using M/s World Space Technology. 15

(vi) Integrated data reception & analysis system. 04

(vii) Stations with telefax facility. 137

(viii) VHF (including Walkie-Talkie facility) 47

(ix) Station with HF/RT facility. 67

(x) VSAT Stations (MES) out of 26 new 5 installed remaining under process

(xi) Automatic Message Switching System

(AMSS)Stations (MES) 5

(xii) PC Based Current Weather display system. 4

(xiii) Stations with B/ Band internet connectivity 134

4.2.1 Network within the country

Quick collection of data from a vast network of surface and upper air observing stations, ships on high seas, aircraft reports, radar observations, forecasts and warnings and their selective distribution are vitally important to the operational needs of the Department. To meet national and international requirement, the department maintains an extensive telecommunication network connecting all the meteorological offices and data collection centres.

(i) Collection and distribution of National data

Basic data from the observatories are collected at collection centres, which are either meteorological offices at State Capitals or Regional Centres, by means of departmental telecom facilities and land-line telegram. The stations whose data are exchanged on Global Telecommunication system are mostly connected by point to point links, telex or radio-telephony links. Important observatories have been provided with back-up telecommunication facilities so that the failure of one does not held up the flow of data.

(ii) Collection of Ships Observations

Observations from ships on high seas are collected at Regional Collecting Centres, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai through Coastal radio stations operated by the Department of Telecommunications.

(iii) Exchange of Aeronautical Meteorological Message

Although aeronautical meteorological messages are handled primarily by the AFTN network of the National Airports Authority of India (NAD), a limited teleprinter network exists in order to supplement the AFTN. A teleprinter loop connects the international airports at Delhi-Mumbai-Chennai-Kolkata-Delhi. Aeronautical messages and data needed for aircraft operations flow on this closed loop to make them available to all meteorological offices. T/P circuits and telex connection are used for exchange of aeronautical meteorological data with other meteorological offices.

(iv) World Space Satellite Broadcast System

India Meteorological Department has started a new meteorological data and processed products broadcasting service from 1^st July 2003 using World Space “Asia Star” Satellite. This is a replacement of the HF broadcast system which has become outdated due to obsolence of the technology and non-availability of HF transmitters of required capacity. The Meteorological data presently being broadcasted are:

1) Indian Satellite images such as three hourly visible, infra red, water vapour images.

2) GTS data (SYNOP, PILOT, TEMP, METAR, TAF etc).

3) Weather charts and model outputs.

The broadcast covers large areas of Middle-East and South-East Asia at a down link frequency of 1467-1492 MHz.

(v) Current weather display system

PC-based current weather display facilities have been provided at Kolkata, Delhi Chennai,and Mumbai International airports for transmission of information to various Air Traffic Points. The information is displayed automatically at the various Air Traffic Points.

(vi) Other Telecommunication Facilities

The Department also avails of the microwave links of Railways, Wireless link of the Police and Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) of the Airport Authority of India (NAD) to communicate warnings to the user agencies on disastrous events such as cyclones, floods, storm surge etc.

(vii) Dissemination of warnings

Apart from being the means of exchange of meteorological data, the telecommunication links are also used for dissemination of warinings. Coastal Radio Stations maintained by DOT disseminate warnings to ships on high seas while A.I.R./Doordarshan disseminate warnings for general public, fisheries and other users.

(viii) Telefax facility

Telefax facilities have been provided at important meteorological offices for transmission/reception of weather information. This facility has been extended to CDR/CWC/M.C. Stations. Very soon these will be replaced by other telecommunication facilities.

(ix) VHF/Walkie-Talkie facility

Walkie-Talkies have been provided at National/International Airports and other stations for real time exchange of Runway visibility range meteorological information for safe aircraft flights. VHF facility have been provided to additional stations for exchange of meteorological information.

(x) VSAT Network

VSATs have been installed at selected Seismological Observatories, Cyclone Detection Radar Stations, Cyclone Warnings Centres (CWC/ACWC), Meteorological Centres and at some other important Observatories where no reliable communication system exist. This network of VSATs operates utilizing communication transponders of INSAT.

(xi) Data through Internet :

At NMTC, current meteorological observational data is available on FTP server and can be accessed by authorized users.

4.2.2 Website of IMD

IMD’s website (http://www.imd.ernet.in) is operational since 1^st june, 2000. All the forecasting products like charts, warnings, satellite imageries, rainfall information are placed and timely updated in IMD’s website. Another website http://www.imd.gov.in is also operational. The Regional Meteorological Centers are also having their own websites.

4.2.3 Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System

Popularly known as ‘Weather on telephone’ the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) was started by the NMTC with effect from July, 2000. One can access current weather and forecast for major Indian cities by dialing a convenient 4 digit telephone number, 1717. This is the easiest way for a common man to know the weather of a place of his choice at the cost of one local call.

4.2.4 SADIS data reception

A SADIS (Satellite Dissemination System) receive only system is in operation since November 1999. All the data and products received through it are being routed to the four AMSSs for National and International flight briefing.

4.2.5 Training in Meteorological Telecommunication

The Telecommunication Training Centre at New Delhi, which was established in September 1977, is one of the international training centres recognized by the WMO. This centre imparts training in the field of telecommunication to the departmental as well as foreign trainees sponsored under various technical programmes. This centre has trained large number of departmental trainees as well as foreign trainees sponsored by WMO. So far this centre has trained 787 departmental trainees and 99 foreign trainees. They receive training under ITEC, SCAAP, WMO, Colombo plan, UNDP etc. The centre conducts the following regular courses:

1. Level -I Course in Met. Telecom (O-Level) – 3 months

duration.

2. Level -II Course in Met. Telecom (Middle Level) – 3 months duration.

3. Level- III Course in Met. Telecom (Higher level) – 6 months duration.

4. Short term course in PC applications – Four weeks duration.

In addition to regular courses 8 weeks course for directly recruited Meteorologist Grade-II (Gr-A) is also conducted as and when fresh recruitments are made in this cadre. Refresher courses of small durations are also organized from time to time to meet the immediate service requirements of the department.

To keep pace with the fast computerisation of telecommunication facilities and development in the field of networking a scheme has been undertaken to modernize the centre with latest communication software and audio-visual aids under which ten numbers of computer work stations have been installed for imparting training in PC applications.

In view of advancement of technology in telecommunication two weather data receive and analyse system (WEDRAS) are installed for imparting the training concerned with procedure of processing and analyzing the met. data in the form of imageries, raw data, charts under GTS received through Satellite.

4.2.6 International Meteorological Telecommunication – Regional Telecommunication Hub, New Delhi.

Under the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) organised as part of the World Weather Watch Plan of W.M.O., New Delhi is functioning as a Regional Telecommunication Hub (RTH) on the Main Telecommunication Network (MTN) connecting the two World Meteorological Centres, Moscow directly and Washington via Tokyo. The automated centre of RTH New Delhi is thus the Principal Meteorological Telecommunication Centres in South Asia and its zone of responsibility extends from Saudi Arabia in the west to Thailand in the East and the adjoining sea areas. It collects observational data from these areas and feeds them on to the Global Telecommunication System for Global and Regional Exchange. Other Meteorological services in the Middle East and South East Asia also depend for their data requirements on RTH, New Delhi. Accordingly, it maintains telecommunication circuits with Moscow, Tokyo, Cairo, Jeddah, Beijing, Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, Tehran, Karachi, Male, Yangon and Kathmandu.

(iii) Digital Satellite Broadcasts

India Meteorological Department is operating its Broadcast service through ASIA STAR satellite of World Space. GTS data, Satellite imageries and Forecast charts and model outputs are broadcast using multicast system.

4.2.7 Automation of R.T.H. New Delhi

India Meteorological Department has further modernised its National Meteorological Telecommunication Centre (NMTC) with a new state-of-the-art switching computer which has capabilities comparable with any advanced WMO Centres on the GTS (Global Telecommunication System).. The whole system has been designed to handle 128 channels (64 low speed + 64 medium speed channels or all 128 medium speed). The system is capable of handling 2200 Mbytes of data/information everyday. The system has many advanced facilities like handling VSAT links, Dial-up Telex, handling Metfax, Auto Fax in, Auto Fax out facility, Data Modem-in, Data Modem-out, exchange of T4 fax and handling sea area bulletins (under Global Maritime Distress & Safety System). RTH, New Delhi is connected to Super Computer Centre NCMRWF through Optical fibre link to transmit GTS data and also has been connected to NHAC CYBER Computer.Message Switching computers are also operational at the major International airports viz. Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai and Guwahati. The circuits linking New Delhi (Palam), Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and Guwahati Airport Computers with RTH Computer at New Delhi are working at high and medium speed.

Under the new marine meteorological broadcast system GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress Safety System) of WMO/IMO, two bulletins are broadcast at 0900 UTC and 1800 UTC everyday through INMARSAT safety Net system. Additional bulletins are broadcast during cyclone period.

4.3 INSTRUMENTATION

4.3.1 India belongs to that select group of countries who manufacture their own upper air and surface instruments. This is done by the meteorological department through in-house production facilities. The office of the Dy. Director General of Meteorology (Upper Air Instrument), New Delhi, consisting of Hydrogen Factory at Agra and Laboratories and Workshop at New Delhi, is responsible for coordination of all technical aspects related in the field of upper air instrumentation. Supply of Meteorological stores to Upper Air Network is maintained by the supply unit at New Delhi. The office of the Dy. Director General of Meteorology (Surface Instruments), Pune consisting of Laboratories and Workshop at Pune, is responsible for the surface instrumentation.

4.3.2 Production Activity

(a) The Hydrogen Factory at Agra takes up production and supply of compressed hydrogen gas filled in cylinders for its eventual use in filling of balloons at field stations throughout the network of Pilot Balloon and Radiosonde/Radiowind observatories. In addition, the factory also meets the demand of hydrogen gas from the Indian Air force and Naval Stations. During the year 2003-2004 the production of hydrogen in the H.F. Agra is targeted at 28000 cubic meters of gas costing about Rs. 153.44 lakhs. The gas production is regulated to meet the target year after year. The Hydrogen Factory Agra also supplies caustic soda, ferrosilicon and high pressure hydrogen gas cylinders to all the radiosonde/radiowind stations for in situ generation of hydrogen gas to meet the requirement to run the upper air stations operationally.

(b) Workshop at New Delhi is manufacturing various types of Radiosondes like 401 MHz radiosonde, 1680 MHz radiosonde, for the measurement of upper air pressure, temperature and humidity and arranging their supply to more than 38 stations spread throughout India, Antarctica and one in Sri Lanka.

Delhi workshop also provides necessary support in the installation of RS/RW Ground equipment and Radars as well as in servicing and maintenance of equipment at various RS/RW and Radar stations of the department. Assistance is also rendered in the installation and servicing of Radiosonde, theodolities and radars in our national network.

Repair and maintenance of pilot balloon & optical theodolites are also carried out. Manufacture of accessories for the pilot balloon observation & wind observations in lower troposphere is also taken up. Wooden stevenson screen (Single & double) which are used to house surface meteorological instruments like thermometer, are manufactured in workshop.

Workshop is taking active part in celebration of national functions by arranging balloon release programme on Republic Day at Rajpath and Independence Day at Red Fort where the President & the Prime Minister are participating.

(c) The Workshop at Pune manufactures ozone sondes, radiometer sondes and surface instruments, such as anemometers, wind vanes and self recording instruments such as anemographs, thermographs and barographs, instruments for data collection platforms and current weather instrument systems. Pune Workshop also provides support in the installation of surface and current weather instruments at field stations.

4.3.3 Maintenance

(a) Maintenance of various ground equipment (1680 MHz) Inter Met. System, 1500 Radio theodolites, SAMEER make 401 MHz Radiotheodolites and Digital Electronics make 401 MHz, Radiosonde Ground Equipment installed at 34 Radiosonde /Radiowind and 01 Radiosonde in the Upper air network are being done by upper air laboratory at Delhi. Radar Laboratory undertakes maintenance of radars installed at 10 Cyclone Detection Radar stations and 17 Storm Detection Radar stations in the network. These laboratories also procure spares and accessories for maintenance of these equipment and also various components/items of desired quality needed in the production of radiosondes.

(b) Maintenance and servicing of airport instruments, surface instruments, data collection platforms and radiation instruments in the network is being done by the Laboratories at Pune, besides procurement of various components/items needed for maintenance and production. Stations are also inspected regularly to ensure their proper functioning.

(c) 20 High Wind Speed Recording systems state of art are installed at east and west coast of India for monitoring high wind speed and direction during cyclone are being maintained.

4.3.4 Calibration and Testing

(a) All the baroswitches manufactured in Delhi Workshop are calibrated in an environmental chamber in the Calibration Laboratory at Delhi. The complete radiosondes are then tested in the Testing Laboratory for the desired performance before sending them to outstation for use in radiosonde ascents.

(b) Calibration and testing of surface instruments such as thermometers, barometers, wind vanes, anemometers, self recording instruments etc. are done in the Surface Laboratory at Pune.

In addition to testing, calibration and repairs of the Surface Meteorological instruments received from departmental observatories, meteorological instruments received from non-departmental parties / private manufacturers are also being tested and calibrated on payment basis.

Test Chamber for manufacturing and calibration of Hygristers has been installed in Hygrister Lab. of IMD at New Delhi.

4.3.5 Special Projects

(a) For upper air radiosonde observations on Oceanographic Research Vessel SAGAR KANYA, necessary equipment and flight accessories are provided and observations taken by departmental personnel.

(b) For upper air Radiosonde / Radio wind observations for Antarctic Expedition at base station Maitri (Antarctica) necessary equipment and flight accessories are provided and observations taken by departmental personnel.

(c) Under the Voluntary Co-operation programme of WMO, Radiosondes are supplied to Sri-Lanka for taking Radiosonde Observations.

(d) Under Mountain Meteorology Project in Himalayan region (PARVAT) three RS/RW observatories have been commissioned at Manali, Jammu and Sasoma, two Mini Ectrolyser for production of hydrogen gas commissioned at Jammu and Manali in February, 2003 three latest state of art Radiotheodolites have been procured for RS/RW stations at Manali , Jammu and Sasoma. Also under the same Project twenty two Automatic Weather Stations were installed in Sub Himalayan region for continuously monitoring the Surface meteorological Observations.

(e) Special observation of Radar and Upper Air radiosonde are arranged for scientific programme like ARMEX, BOBMEX etc.

4.3.6 Some of the important instruments manufactured by the Department are listed below :

(a) All types of surface meteorological instruments.

(b) Radiosonde/Radio wind (401 MHz and 1680 MHz) balloon-borne instruments and ground equipment for the measurement of pressure, temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, ozone concentration and net infrared radiative fluxes in the upper atmosphere.

(d) Design, development and fabrication of special instruments for the measurement of temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction and ozone for the Antarctic Expedition. Ten sets of Ultrasonic type High Wind Speed Recorders were installed at Puri, Chandbali, Balasore, Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Ongole, Nellore, Pondicherry, Karaikal and Adinampattinam under World Bank aided Porject. Nine such stations already installed at Digha, Gopalpur, Paradeep, KalingaPatnam, Kavali and Chennai at East Coast and Okha, Veraval and Mumbai at West Coast.

4.4 SEISMOLOGY

India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the nodal agency of Government of India responsible for monitoring seismicity in and around the country. IMD has rendered more than hundred years of seismological service to the nation with the first seismological observatory of the country having been set up by the department at Kolkata in 1898. The Operational task of the department is to quickly determine the earthquake Parameters immediately after the occurrence of an earthquake and disseminate the information to all the concerned State and Central Government agencies responsible for carrying out relief and rehabilitation measures. The information is also transmitted to public information channels, Press media etc.

4.4.1 National Seismological Network (NSN)

The department at present, maintains a national seismological observatory network consisting of 47 permanent observatories and 4 observatories in Northern India for special studies Fig.10. As part of an upgradation programme, ten of the existing observatories under the national network located at Ajmer, Bokaro, Bilaspur, Bhopal, Bhuj, Chennai, Karad, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram and Visakhapatnam have been upgraded with GSN (Global Seismograph Network) standard digital broadband seismograph systems. Fourteen more of the remaining observatories of national network located at Akola, Allahabad, Bhubaneshwar, Goa, Jhansi, Kodaikanal, Kolkata, Latur, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Shillong and Shimla have also been upgraded with broadband seismograph systems of different make. Both these systems are of the state-of the –art type having broadband sensors, high dynamic range (24-bit) digitizers, GPS time synchronization and facility to access the data remotely through telephone mode or satellite communications.( Fig-10 and Fig-11)

4.4.2 Central Receiving Station and National Seismological Data Base Centre (NSDC)

A Central Receiving Station (CRS) has been set up at IMD headquarters in New Delhi, which has the operational responsibility of keeping round-the-clock watch of seismic activity, downloading the waveform data from remote field stations through dial up facility, analyse and disseminate the earthquake information to user agencies. The data is subsequently archived at the National Seismological Database Centre (NSDC) at IMD headquarters in New Delhi in a systematic manner. The upgradation of the existing seismological network has brought out significant improvements in the operational activities of the department in terms of reduction of undetected/unlocated events in near real time mode and reducing the response time. Availability of fast communication facilities has facilitated near real-time data transmission to a centralized place for immediate processing.

The Division supplies a number of seismicity related reports for specific regions for establishment of industrial units, powerhouses etc and provides consultancy services to various state and central government agencies on earthquake related matters. All correspondence related to earthquake prediction, disaster management, supply of seismological data to various national and international organizations including research and academic institutions, river valley projects, etc are also undertaken.

4.4.3 Brief on “Real Time Seismic Monitoring Network” being set up by IMD as part of Tsunami Warning System.

Introduction

In the aftermath of the Great Sumatra Earthquake of 26^th December, 2004 Government of India has initiated actions for setting up an Early Warning System for Tsunamis and Storm surges in the Indian Ocean. The proposed system will help in providing advance warnings of Tsunamis and Storm surges likely to affect the coastal areas of the country. The project is designed to be implemented through a multi-institutional participation. A National Tsunami Warning System has been established at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, which has been identified as the nodal organization under MoES for all activities related with the issue of Early Warning for Tsunamis. Apart from INCOIS, the various other Departments/ organisatin under MoES which are involved in this endeavor are IMD (setting up of RTSMN), ICMAM (Inundation mapping, Coastal vulnerability mapping and Tsunami Modeling), and NIOT (deployment of DART System, Automatic tide/ gauges etc.), the other organizations like Survey of India (Tide Gauge Network), Department of Space (INSAT Communication plan and Coastal Topographic Mapping), CSIR laboratories and MHA are also participating in this project.

Real Time Seismic Monitoring Network (RTSMN)

As part of the Early Warning System for Tsunamis and Storm Surges in Indian Ocean being set up by Government of India, a 17 station Real Time Seismic Monitoring Network (RTSMN) is being established by India Meteorological Department (IMD). The network is designed to monitor, report, in least possible time, the occurrence of earthquakes capable of generating Tsunamis from the two probable Tsumanigenic sources viz. the Andaman Nicobar Sumatra Island are region and the north Arabian Sea area. The data from the 17 Broadband seismic field stations will be transmitted simultaneously in real time through V-SAT communication facilities to the Central Receiving Stations (CRSs) located at IMD New Delhi and INCOIS, Hyderabad for processing and interpretation. The CRSs are equipped with state of art computing hardware, communication, data processing, visualization and dissemination facilities. The earthquake information shall be disseminated through various communication channels to all concerned user agencies in a fully automated mode

The RTSMN system, when made fully operational, would be able to provide earthquake information within 10 minutes, of the occurrence of events of Tsunamigenic potential. The system is expected to be fully operational by the end of February, 2008.

4.4.4 National Seismological Bulletin

The Seismolgy Division publishes a monthly National Seismological Bulletin, containing the phase data and the processed information on epicentral parameters of all earthquakes located by the National Seismological Network. The bulletin is periodically sent to International Seismological Centre (ISC) for incorporation in the ISC’s Seismological Bulletin, which contains data from all global stations.

4.4.5. International Collaboration in Seismology

India is a permanent Member of the International Seismological Centre (ISC), UK, Earthquake information, publications, bulletins are regularly exchanged by ISC and IMD. Seismological Bulletins containing processed information on earthquakes recorded by the national network are regularly supplied to the centre.

4.4.6 Indo-Russian Centre for Earthquake Research

An Indo-Russian Centre for Earthquake Research (IRCER) has been established in India Meteorological Department. This is corollary to the signing of an MOU on 12.11.2003 by the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and the president of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) in Moscow during the visit of Indian Prime Minister to Russia. The projects identified during the visit of the high level scientific delegation to Moscow in September, 2003 are being implemented as part of the activities of this Centre as a multi-institutional effort.

4.4.7 Seismology Training

The Division organizes periodical training programs/refresher courses to station operators with emphasis on operation and maintenance of analog and digital seismograph systems. Apart from officers and staff of the department, persons sponsored by other institutions and laboratories also attend these training courses.

4.4.8 Seismology Workshop

Development and manufacture of seismological instruments and accessories is undertaken in the departmental workshop. Besides catering to the needs of the national observatories, the department also makes a limited supply of seismological instruments to other institutions.

4.4.9 Seismic Zoning of India

Bureau of Indian Standards [IS-1893 – part – 1: 2002], based on various scientific inputs from a number of agencies, has grouped the country into four seismic zones viz. Zone-II, - III, - IV-V (fig. 12). Of these, zone V is the most seismically active region, while zone II is the least.

4.4.10 Research and Development

The upgradation of seismological observatories of IMD’s national network through deployment of state-of-the-art digital seismograph systems and systematic archival of digital data at National Seismological Database Centre has created an atmosphere Conducive to carry out various research investigations on Seismology related topics. The upgraded seismological network has generated very useful and unique digital broadband and strong motion data sets for several significant earthquakes in the last decade including the Bhuj earthquake of 26^th January, 2001. Analyses of these data sets have greatly helped in improving our understanding about the earthquake process in the inter-and intra-plate seismic regimes. The crust and upper mantle structure of the Peninsular shield region has also been delineated with higher resolution using the broadband data sets generated by the regional events. For the first time ground motions expected from future earthquakes have been estimated from the Jabalpur (1997) and Bhuj (2001 earthquake data.

4.4.11 Special Services offered by Seismology Division

(1) IMD provides data and relevant information pertaining to earthquakes to various users agencies including material for parliament questions, seismicity reports for river valley projects and dams etc.

(2) The division carries out micro-earthquake surveys for monitoring of aftershocks, Swarm type seismic acitivities and site response studies by deploying portable seismograph systems in the affected areas.

(3) Provide consultancy service to various State and Central Government organizations in making policy guidelines relating to seismology and establish new seismological observatories.

(4) Provide training to station operators in the operation and maintenance of seismographs of various kinds and data processing and analysis.

(5) Development and manufacture of analog seismological instruments and accessories is undertaken in the departmental workshop. Besides catering to the needs of the national observatories, the organization also makes a limited supply of seismological instruments to other institutions.

(6) Exchange of seismic data with National and International agencies & Publications of Seismological Bulletin.

4.4.12 Projects under implementation

1. As a part of the proposed Tsunami Warning System being established for the Indian Ocean region setting up of a real-time seismic monitoring and information dissemination system is in progress.

2. The National Seismological Network is being upgraded as part of up gradation program.

3. The exaction national Seismological Database Centre is being upgraded to meet the increased requirements of data analysis, information dissemination and archival.

4. An Indo-Russian Center for Earthquake Research (IRCER) has been established in IMD to coordinate and monitor various collaborative projects in Seismology being implemented by various institutions under the Integrated Long Term Programme (ILTP) of DST for cooperation between India and Russia.

4.4.13 Central Seismological Observatory (C.S.O. Shillong)

Central Seismological Observatory, Shillong was established in the year 1952. At present SEISMOLOGY, METEOROLOGY, and RADIATION units are functioning there.

4.4.14(i) Seismology

Round the clock watch in seismology unit has been started w.e.f. 24.4.1989 and seismic data are now being transmitted to Seismo. HQ, New Delhi over TELEX, TELEPHONE and MICRO EARTH STATION for all the events within epicentral distance of 25 degree of magnitude 4 and above. Shillong observatory is also equipped with a broadband system and a telephone modem connectivity to enable transmission of wave form data to CRS,New Delhi. All local low magnitude felt earthquake whose epicenter is not determined by Seismo. HQ, New Delhi due to paucity of data, are being supplied to public and press with the help of Shillong station data with prior permission from Seismo. HQ, New Delhi. 4 (Four) Seismo. Observatories i.e. AGARTALA, IMPHAL, TURA, and LEKHAPANI are also functioning in North Eastern India under the guidance of Seismo. HQ, New Delhi.

Recording of ground deformation with the help of GPS is continued from December, 2001.

Control unit and light sources required for photographic recorders are being manufactured in the Work-Shop.

4.4.14(ii) Meteorology

Meteorological observatory at CSO Shillong was established in the year 1957. Two (2) main synoptic observations are being taken now and autographic recording of Met. Parameters for Pressure, Temperature, Humidity, Rainfall and Evaporation are also being done. Met. data of 3UTC and 12UTC synoptic observations are now being transmitted to RMC, Guwahati, DGM, New Delhi; and DDGM(WF), Pune over telex and MES regularly. Met. Parameters are also now being displayed by Doordarshan Kendra Guwahati and Shillong.

4.4.14(iii) Radiation

Radiation unit was established in August, 1966 with installation of “Bimetallic Pyranograph but the recording of global and diffused solar radiation started in February, 1967. Pyrheliometer/ Pyrogeometer observations also started in February, 1967.

4.4.15 EARTHQUAKE RISK EVALUATION CENTRE (EREC)

Earthquake Risk Evaluation Centre (EREC) has been established in India Meteorological Department in 2004, with the objective to guide in national endeavor in mitigating the disastrous impacts of earthquakes and undertake/promote the following specific tasks related to earthquake risk evaluation:

To provide earthquake risk related knowledge products for designated areas of the national territory of India, inputs as nature and scale of earthquake hazard, vulnerability of built environment and risk maps and figures.
To develop suitably distributed Information Systems for ready collation of primary data from different national sources, their encoding & quality indices, archival and retrieval and also develop advance level integrated databases.
To develop a vibrant user Interface in order to constantly interact with various agencies involved in risk mitigation as well as with local communities with the objective of (a) communicating to them the knowledge products and their implications, and (b) to continually reappraise the system keeping in view the relevance and usability of these products, through specially designed feedback activities.
To articulate well considered regulatory and legislative measures for effective mitigation of risk, and advise/request appropriate agencies to implement these.
To catalyze development of evermore-effective risk assessment and mitigation approaches and systems by sponsoring such programs that may be warranted in the light of new emerging national priorities as well as new developments globally in exploiting up-to-date Science and Technology(S&T) systems towards mitigation.
To undertake/sponsor user based training/ programmes of scientists and other relevant members of the concerned community.
To develop and provide earthquake risk related knowledge products for designated areas
To develop suitable knowledge products and dissemination system
To develop vibrant user Interface in order to constantly interact with various agencies involved in risk mitigation
To articulate well considered legislative and regulatory measures
To take up Micro earthquake survey and microzonation related field studies
Monitoring of local seismicity for development of seismo-tectonic maps

Thus, the Seismic Hazard Microzonation &Risk evaluation are the cardinal activities of the Center.

In order to achieve the above goal a state-of-the-art Data Hub cum computing facility would have to be established. This Data centre or Hub known as “EDAKH”(EREC Data centre and Knowledge products Hub) has been designed based on emerging Data centre Technology of today which focuses on “Grid Computing “ Technology rather than the older fashioned client-server Technology. Basic requirements of EDAKH are – availability, accessibility, scalability and reliability. In order to accomplish this, powerful Hardware like blade servers based on Itanium-2 processors, industry standard grid products such as Oracle Data base 10g, Oracle Application server 10g and Oracle Enterprise Manager 10g along with Robotic storage have been planned for .This Hub, when fully operational, will be first of its kind in the country for collation, analysis, storage, archival and dissemination/ access of earthquake related disaster and risk data base cum knowledge products.

EREC has been contributing towards Microzonation studies in the country

Benefits to be accrued:

Knowledge products to be generated by EREC have far reaching benefits to the society and the country. Some of the major beneficiaries are :

Various Govt. and semi-Govt. organizations/institutions engaged in Disaster management and mitigation .,Civic authorities & fire and emergency management services, Heath agencies, Town planners and Builders, Defence establishments, Law & order management authorities, Insurance sectors, Heavy industries and above all the general public at large.

The following projects have been earmarked / undertaken by EREC:

A .Seismic Hazard Microzonation of Delhi

· Short term goal

Formulation of base map, Collation of data on Geology, Geomorphology, Quaternary geology & Geotechnical characterization

Generation of new data base on Geotechnical parameters (SPT, CPT)

Land use and Land cover mapping

Site Response studies;

Preparation of first level Seismic Hazard Microzonation map

· Long term goal

Study & interpretation of Remote sensing data creation of new data base on Shear Wave velocity and geotechnical attributes on soil typologies (Field and laboratory studies)

Collation and interpretation of data

Integration of data in GIS format, analysis and interpretation for generating Seismic Hazard and Risk Microzonation maps of Delhi and providing inputs for planning of disaster mitigation

B. Seismic Risk Microzonation of Jabalpur and disaster Mitigation planning in consultation with Local Self Government

· Short term goal

Up gradation of Seismic hazard maps including additional probe holes on SPT/CPT, Site response studies, generation of ground response data, documentation and publication of report

Study and analysis of remote sensing data and preparation of footprint map of Jabalpur urban agglomeration: Engineering Seismological Survey and risk evaluation.

· Long term goal

Continued Engineering seismological studies and numerical modeling for ground response validation

Integration of Hazard and Engineering seismological data in GIS format and interpretation &. Preparation of Seismic Risk Microzonation of Jabalpur and providing inputs for preliminary planning of disaster mitigation.

Procurement / acquisition and establishment of EREC Database and Knowledge products & Advisory Hub (EDAKH) including EREC Website

· Short term goal

Finalization and approval of specification, Completion of Capital works

Procurement of Hardware and Software

Creation of EREC Website

Installation of EDAKH

Commissioning and acceptance testing

· Long term goal

Integration with present IMD Data Network and other national agencies / users

C. Methodology for Microzonation: standardization and preparation of manual

· Short term goal

Generation of documents with inputs from experts of multidiscipline involved in Microzonation

· Long term goal

Editing of scripts, codification and printing of the manual on Microzonation

D. Creation of national database for seismic hazard and regional risk appraisal

· Short term goal

Collation of multi thematic data and digitization of maps

Customization and integration ion of multi thematic data in GIS Base

· Long term goal

Generation of module for Seismic hazard and Risk Information; Commissioning and testing of the system

E. Pattern identification of Seismicity in different tectonic domains of India and environs

· Short term goal

Collation of Seismological and tectonic data and Digitization of map

· Long term goal

Pattern identification based on Time series Analysis and fractural based studies

Staff:

Twenty (20) posts were approved for effective functioning of

EREC. These posts are:

Chief Scientist One (Vacant)

Scientists Six (Three vacant)

Visiting Fellows Four (One Vacant)

Research Associates Nine (Seven vacant)

As a local arrangement,following two units are attached with EREC:

1. Delhi Telemetry & Local Network

2. Micro Earthquake Survey (MEQ)Unit

Delhi Telemetry and Local Network

Responsibilities and Activities

Delhi and its neighborhood is bounded in the north by Indo-Gangetic plains, in the west by the extension of the Great Indian Thar Desert and in the south by the Aravalli ranges. The physiographic setup of the region includes continued extension of the Peninsular Shield in the form of both superficial as well as subterranean ridges extending transverse to the sediment filled Indo-Gangetic basin which is aligned parallel to the field and thrust belt of Himalayas. Delhi region lies in seismic zone IV as per seismic zoning map of India published by Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS). The thrust zone lies about 250-350 Km north of Delhi and has been identified as a significant seismic gap area in the Central Himalayas (Bilham et. al. 2001). The past seismicity of the region shows that several earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 and above occurred in Delhi and its neighborhood and have caused extensive damage to properties and loss of lives. Therefore, this region is hazardous due to earthquakes of Himalayan region as well as of its own. The National Capital Region of Delhi is fast growing metropolitan city and its burgeoning population and industrial work force is at increasing risk from seismic hazard. A close monitoring of seismicity of the region is the first step towards assessment of seismic hazard of the region. All these factors provided the motivation for installation of a seismic telemetry network around the area.

Brief Network Details

A sixteen element VSAT based digital seismic array around Delhi with CRS at IMD, HQ New Delhi has been set up during September 2000 to April 2002. Of these, thirteen field stations are within 200 Km radius from CRS. Taking advantage of VSAT communication the remaining three field stations have been setup at Joshimath, Kalpa and Jaisalmer for monitoring regional seismicity and near real- time monitoring of seismicity of northern Himalayan region. The field stations are unmanned and continues ground motion data in digital form is transmitted on line to Central Receiving Station (CRS) in near real-time

Text Box:

4.5 SATELLITE METEOROLOGY

4.5.1 INSAT Data Reception and Processing :

India Meteorological Department is receiving and processing meteorological data from Kalpana-I, INSAT-3A and NOAA series of satellites for meteorological analysis and weather forecasting. Kalpana-I was launched on 12^th September, 2002 and is presently located at 74^o E. INSAT-3A was launched on 10^th April, 2003 and is located at 93.5^oE.

There is another satellite named INSAT-2 E similar to INSAT-3 A, which was launched on 2^nd April, 1999. The VHRR payload of this satellite is not working due to technical problem, however its CCD payload is working satisfactorily and its data is being received and processed regularly.

One uplink station for Digital Meteorological Data Dissemination and one downlink station have been installed at New Delhi for dissemination of Satellite imageries, Synoptic Data and analyzed weather charts under the scheme “Procurement of 40 Nos. Digital Meteorological Data Dissemination (DMDD) equipment and uplink equipment”.

One GPS receiving system alongwith the computation server has been installed at IMD, New Delhi for computation of Integrated Precipitable Water Vapour (IPVV) under the scheme of “Establishment of 5 GPS receivers for monitoring of IPWV”.

4.5.2 INSAT Meteorological Data Processing System (IMDPS):

IMDPS is also capable of processing meteorological data from unmanned Data Collection Platforms (DCPs) and supports all operational activities on round the clock basis. The DCP stations located in the remote and inaccessible areas record and store hourly data and transmit the same to ground processing system using INSAT Data Relay Transponders (DRT). However, limited number of stations are currently operational with DRT on board Kalpana-I satellite. Cloud Imagery Data is processed and transmitted to forecasting offices of the Deptt. as well as to the other users.

Apart from generating cloud imagery, IMDPS has the capability of deriving meteorological products from the data received. The products include:

(a) Cloud Motion Vectors (CMVs) are derived using three consecutive half hourly images from the operational Kalpana-I Satellite CMVS are generated at 00 hour UTC using Infra red imagery

(b) Sea surface Temperatures (SST’s) are computed from INSAT-IR imagery for 00 and 12 hrs UTC. SST are also computed from NOAA satellites using multi channel alogrithm.

(c) Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) at 1.0⁰ Grid is computed from INSAT-IR data on 3 hourly/daily/weekly/monthly basis.

(d) Quantitative Precipitation Estimates (QPE) are generated at 1.0⁰ Grid from INSAT-IR imagery on 3 hourly/daily/weekly/monthly basis.

(e) Atmospheric soundings are generated from US Polar Orbiting series of NOAA series satellites. They include temperature profiles and standard level geopotentials.

4.6 AGRICULTURAL METEOROLOGY

The Agricultural Meteorology Division at Pune caters to the needs of agriculturists and conducts research in the field of agricultural meteorology. The main functions of the Division are :-

(i) Conducts experiments and evolve techniques for better understanding of processes by which weather and climate affect crop growth and yield and the incidence of crop pests and diseases.

(ii) Advise farmers by weather forecasts relevant to agricultural operations.

(iii) Supply of processed climatic data to end users for planning agricultural strategy.

(iv) Providing technical assistance to various Agricultural departments, Agricultural universities, Research Institutes for establishment, maintenance and inspection for smooth running of their Agromet. Observatories starting and inspection of soil moisture observatories and logistic, maintenance of departmental evapotranspiration observatories.

(v) Studies of inter-relation between crop pests and diseases and concurrent weather parameters in collaboration with Agricultural Universities/ Research Institutes with a view to forewarn of their outbreaks/spread on the basis of forecasted weather parameters.

(vi) Act as liaison between meteorological department and State Agricultural Departments and Agricultural Research Institutes and advise them on meteorological aspects of agricultural problems.

(vii) Conducts the training courses for Observers (from Agromet Observatories) , students, lecturers, scientists/research scholars (from Agricultural Universities and state/central research institutes) , foreign personnel under WMO, Colombo Plan, UNDP etc. and departmental group ‘A’ and group ‘B’ officers and staff.

(viii) Carry out quantitative pest observations in the experimental crop field in collaboration with Agricultural Universities for developing weather based forewarning models for the incidence of pest on an operational basis.

(ix) Development of pest weather calendar for various pests for operational crop protection. Preparation of revised crop weather calendars for the important crops grown in various districts of the country. These calendars comprise of Agriculturist’s requirement of various weather warning and life history and mean dates of important epochs of crop growth.

(x) Studies on water use by crop and its irrigation planning for dry farming tract in India.

4.7 HYDROMETEOROLOGY

The Hydromet Division at New Delhi consists of different units like :-

(1) Rainfall Monitoring Unit

(2) Design Storm Unit

(3) Storm Analysis Unit

(4) Flood Met. Unit

(5) Glaciology Unit

(6) Water Balance Unit

(7) Hydrology Project Unit

(8) Central Hydromet Observatory

(9) International Hydrology Programme

(10) Project “PARVAT”

The main activities in this discipline are as follows :

Real time monitoring of district wise daily rainfall, continuous built up of rainfall statistics, hydrometeorological studies for different river catchments with a view to estimate Standard Project Storm (SPS), Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP), Time distribution of rainfall storm, Intensity-frequency Analysis of rainfall which is used by design engineers for construction of Dams, railways, road bridges, culverts etc. for different Central and State Government organisations, N.T.P.C., N.H.P.C. and D.R.D.O.. It also provides meteorological support for flood warning and flood control operations by the field units of Central Water Commission.

Hydromet Division also participates regularly in glacier expeditions to take meteorological observations for snowmelt glaciological studies. A multi-agency, World Bank aided Hydrology Project has been undertaken for standardisation and strengthening of observational network to create a quality data base of Peninsular India. A Central Hydrometeorological Observatory also functions in Hydromet Division, New Delhi. IMD also provides active support to the International Hydrology Programme.

A Hydrology Section also functions at Pune for rainfall registration and rainfall climatology. There are five small Hydromet Units at the five Regional Meteorological Centres for organisation and inspection of raingauge stations.

4.8 CLIMATOLOGICAL ORGANISATION

The Climatological Division of office of the Additional Director General of Meteorology (Research), Pune and the Climatological Units at the Regional Meteorological Centres and Meteorological Centres at State Capitals are entrusted with climatological functions. Scrutiny and processing of meteorological observations for assimilation into the departmental archives are the principal functions of the climatological services. They are meant to provide meteorological statistics required for agriculture, irrigation, industries and other nation-building activities. Various climatological publications, Normals for the observatory stations, 10-day wind averages were brought out and updated from time to time.

4.8.1 National Data Centre (NDC)

National Data Centre (NDC), Pune is the sole custodian of the meteorological data meticulousily collected over the last 125 years. The Climatological information is a national heritage and is being preserved at NDC very carefully.

The meteorological data collected by observatories all over India are transferred to compact disks for permanent archival. About 9.36 billion characters of data are held in IMD archives at present. A powerful mainframe computer system VAX-4000/300 with a large number of peripherals viz. Tape drives, PCs, Workstations, CDROMs and CTD drives, plotters, printers with suitable software etc. have been in operation at National Data Centre. Besides meeting the needs of research and development activities, NDC also facilitates quick and efficient data processing, electronic quality control and retrieval of data for users. On an average every month 10-12 lakh records of meteorological data are being supplied to users on floppies/CDs.

4.9 AVIATION METEOROLOGY

Aviation Meteorological offices are mostly at airports to meet the requirement of aviation service. There are at present 71 Current Weather Observatories including 18 Aviation Forecasting (AFOs) Offices where different types of forecasts such as aerodrome forecasts, trend forecasts, flight forecasts are issued to serve aviation needs. 14 (AFOs) are functioning at National Airports. 4 AFOs are functioning at International Airports at Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai. AFOs at International Airports also serve as Meteorological Watch Office catering to flight in the respective flight information region.

One Regional Area Forecast Centre is situated in Delhi. This caters to the Aviation needs of India and neighbouring countries maintaining liaison with World Area Forecast Centre at London and Washington. “One Tropical Cyclone Advisory Centre is also functioning at New Delhi. The centre provides advisory information on tropical cyclones.”

4.10 IMD COMPUTER CENTRE, NEW DELHI

The Computer Center of NHAC is equipped with Computer System Altix-350 and Origin-200. The computer system Altix-350 was installed after the phasing out of Cyber 2000U computer system to cater the essential and ongoing operational requirements of NHAC. The Altix-350 (2 CPU, 2 GB RAM, 73 GB HDD, one plotter) system along with Work Station (Intel 2.8 GHz Processor) is being used for processing real-time incoming Global Telecommunication System (GTS) data and plotting of various operational charts. The data files generated in the workstations are also used for running the limited area analysis and forecast system. The other server Origin-200 (2 CPU, 2 GB RAM, 270 MHz processor) is used for running NWP models.

IMD has been using a Limited Area Model (LAM) on operational basis to issue forecast valid upto 48 hours based on 0830 and 1730 hours IST initial conditions. First guess field as well as lateral boundary conditions are being taken from the outputs of T-80, a global spectral model being run at National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF). The resolution of the present version of the LAM is 75 km in the horizontal and has 16 sigma levels in the vertical. A non-hydrostatic mesoscale model MM- 5 is also run daily once for generating 72 hours forecasts with the horizontal resolution of 45 km. for cyclone track prediction, a Quasi-Lagrangian Model (QLM) at the horizontal resolution of 40 km is used for issuing 72 hours forecasts. For storm surge prediction, IMD has been using IIT-Delhi storm surge model in conjunction with the nomograms developed by IMD.

IMD’s own web site is being regularly updated from IMD computer centre to give Weather information like limited Area analysis and 24 hours forecast products, daily weather bulletins and forecast (Text) for all regions including special weather warning such as Tropical Cyclones, heavy rainfall etc.

4.11 POSITIONAL ASTRONOMY CENTRE (PAC)

The Centre issues the following 16 publications annually:-

(i) Indian Astronomical Ephemeris (IAE)

(ii) Tables of Sunrise & Sunset and Moonrise & Moonset

(iii) Rashtriya Panchang in 14 languages viz. Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi (Gurmukhi), Tamil and Telugu.

The Indian Astronomical Ephemeris contains about 600 pages of astronomical data on the positions of Sun, Moon, Planets, Bright Stars, contains a section on the National Calendar of India (Saka Calendar) with the timings of Tithis, Nakshatras etc. and the festival dates. The publication is now in its 47^th issue. Rashtriya Panchang is a popular publication brought out with the aim to provide a standard unified Calendar for the whole country and to promote a scientific basis for Panchang calculation.

The Centre meets the specific data requirements of a large number of user agencies. Lunar data for prediction of tides are computed for the Survey of India, Sun’s daily path for orientation of large civil construction/projects are computed for Civil Engineers. Architects and large public meetings, Solar positions for aligning radar and for antennas for communications, Railway and Air Force engineers and for Antarctica Expeditions, Pole Star data for aligning radio transmitters, times of rising-setting phenomena for a large number of places for newspapers, judiciary, religious bodies, defence and scientific bodies, eclipse phenomena for scientific researchers and general public etc. The centre is the national agency for attending to all matters concerning Calendar. it determines the dates of festivals of all communities in India in advance for holiday declaration by the Government, tourist promotion abroad and for use of Panchang makers.

4.12 PUBLICATIONS & LIBRARIES

4.12.1 Publication

The publications include memoris of IMD, scientific Monographs, Weather Reviews, Scientific & Technical Notes and Reports, Climatic Atlases & Charts, Climatological Tables, Forecasting manuals and other miscellaneous publications. A large number of brochures have also been published highlighting the activities of the Department.

Periodical Weather reports are also published as a part of public weather services to help to manage irrigation and Agriculture, Floods, Surface transport, Navigation, Aviation and to cater to various public works departments, research organizations and the general public. The list of periodicals is given below:

LIST OF PERIODICALS PUBLICATION

S.NO	TITLE	ISSUED BY
1.	MAUSAM (Quarterly Indian Journal of Meteorology, Hydrology & Geophysics)	DGM, New Delhi
2.	Indian Daily Weather Report (IDWR)	DDGM(WF), Pune
3.	Regional Daily Weather Report (RDWR)	Regional Meteorological Centre
4.	State Daily Weather Report (SDWR)	Meteorological Centres at State Capitals
5.	Weekly Weather Report (WWR)	DDGM(WF), Pune
6.	All India Weather Summary (AIWS) Daily	DDGM(WF)
7.	Marine Climatological Summaries (Annual), (Decadal)	ADGM(R), Pune
8.	Disastrous Weather Events (Annual)	ADGM(R), Pune
9.	Indian Astronomical Ephemeris (Annual)	PAC Kolkata
10.	Rashtriya Panchang (in 14 languages ) (Annual)	PAC Kolkata
11.	Table of Sunrise & Sunset and Moonrise & Moonset (Annual)	PAC Kolkata
12.	Seismological Bulletin (Monthly)	DGM, New Delhi
13.	Climate Diagnostic Bulletins (Monthly/ Seasonal)	ADGM(R), Pune
14.	Special Daily Weather Report (During monsoon)	HQ(NHAC), New Delhi
15.	Weekly Weather Report	HQ(NHAC), New Delhi
16.	RSMC Report on Cyclonic Distrubances in the Indian Ocean (Annual)	HQ(NHAC), New Delhi
17.	Annual Snow fall Summery	ADGM( R ) Pune

4.12.2 Research Journal

MAUSAM is a quarterly research journal being published by India Meteorological Department since January 1950. This was originally called the Indian Journal of Meteorology, Hydrology and Geophysics, then later called the Indian Journal of Meteorology, Hydrology and Geophysics and was finally named MAUSAM in 1979.

4.12.3 Awards

The Government of India instituted a Biennial “MAUSAM” Award in 1960 comprising of a Citation and cash award worth Rs. 35,000/- (Rupees Thirty Five Thousand only) to each author. The award is given to the Indian/Foreign scientists for the best paper on Meteorology and allied subjects published in “MAUSAM” during a period of preceding two years.

Another Biennial Award entitled “MAUSAM Shodh Puraskar” was instituted by Govt. of India in 1993 exclusively for the best scientific research paper in Hindi, by the IMD official (including retired scientists), published in MAUSAM during the preceding two years period. The award consists of a Citation and a cash prize of Rs.10000/- (Rupees Ten thousand only) per auther.

4.12.4 Libraries

NMSDOC/ADGM(R), Pune Library

(a) In view of publications and other increasing information and documentation activities, the IMD library has now been renamed as ‘National Meteorological and Seismological Documentation Centre – NMSDOC’. It has a good collection of books, periodicals and other publications. It also contains Audio Visual material, such as Video Cassettes on meteorological phenomena, which are used by the trainees and other scientists of the Department. NMSDOC provides services not only to the employees of the Department but also caters to the needs of a large number of other institutes and the Govt. agencies, viz. Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT, New Delhi and NCMRWF under Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi, scientists, research scholars, students etc. It also provides excellent information, reference and reprographic services to the users.

NMSDOC at HQ subscribes 50 foreign journals and 25 Indian journals. In addition it also receives journals in exchange of Mausam and other departmental publications.

(b) ADGM(R) Pune office of this department also maintains a good library having collection in meteorology and allied subjects. The library subscribes to 25 foreign and 27 Indian journals. It also procures WMO publication directly from WMO, Geneva, Switzerland and distributes them to meteorological offices located in various parts of country and at Head Quarters at New Delhi as well.

The library subscribes to 14 foreign and 27 Indian journals on meteorology and related subject. Also this library procures WMO publications directly from WMO, Geneva, Switzerland as per standing order and distributes them to Met. Offices located in various parts of country and Air H.Qrs. New Delhi as well.

4.13 TRAINING DIVISION

The Department offers training facilities in general meteorology, instrumentation, meteorological telecommunication and agricultural meteorology. These are open not only to departmental personnel but also to officers of other departments, Defence services, Universities and to candidates from foreign countries. The training facilities of the India Meteorological Department in Pune and New Delhi were designated as WMO Regional Meteorological Training Centre (RMTC) for Regional Association II (Asia).

5. SERVICES RENDERED

The Department caters to the need of a large number of interests such as Aviation, Shipping, Fisheries, Ports, Agriculture Irrigation & Power Projects, Flood Control, Public Works, Railways, Post & Telegraphs, Public Health, Himalayan Expeditions, Defence Services, Industries, Oil & Natural Gas Commission, Indian Oil Corporation and the general public. These are briefly outlined below :-

5.1 SERVICES TO AVIATION

India Meteorological Department is the designated meteorological authority to provide the necessary meteorological services for air navigation both for National and International flights operating through Civil Aerodroms in India. The aviation meteorological services provided by India Meteorological Department confirm to international procedures as laid down in ICAO’s regulatory documents. The objective of meteorological services for air navigation is to contribute towards the safety regularity, efficiency and economy of aircraft operation. Meteorological information for aviation is supplied to the airline operators, flight crew members air traffic service unit, search and rescue units, airport managements and other concerned with the conductor development of air navigation.

IMD maintains 73 Aeronautical Meteorological Offices (18 Class I + 55 Class III) at the international and national airport in India. Four Aviation Forecasting Offices functioning at Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi & Chennai airports also serve as Meteorological Watch Offices (MWOs) catering to flights in respective Flight Information Regions. Class I & Class III Aeronautical Meteorological Offices are shown in the attached map fig. No.13.

5.2 SERVICES FOR SHIPPING & FISHERIES

For the benefits of the ships on high seas and coastal and fishing craft, weather bulletins are issued for broadcast four times daily (more often when an actual storm or depression occurs) by the Area Cyclone Warning Centres at Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai and the Cyclone Warning Centres at Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam. The officials of the Port Meteorological Liaison offices (PMLO) at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Marmugao and Kochi visit the ships, while in harbour to calibrate meteorological instruments on board and to provide meteorological information to ships about to sail. Ships logbook containing Meteorological Observation onroute taken by Ship, is collected by these ports, Met. Liaison offices and sent to Pune for quality control and archival.

5.3 MARINE POLLUTION EMERGENCY RESPONSE SUPPORT SYSTEM (MPERSS)

In the event of a major marine pollution incident on high seas, the necessary meteorological support will be provided by India (IMD) for Met. area VIII N i.e. Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and North of Equator. NHAC, New Delhi is designated as Area Meteorological Co-ordinator (AMC). The Advisories/Bulletins are issued by ACWC Mumbai, Kolkata and NHAC New Delhi/INOSHAC Pune.

5.4 SERVICES TO PORTS

Meteorological Service to ports is rendered by the Area Cyclone Warning Centres at Mumbai, Kolkata & Chennai and the Cyclone Warning Centres at Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam. Cautionary messages are issued as soon as disturbance is located or suspected on weather charts. In the event of a cyclone development, warning messages are sent to the ports likely to be affected, as frequently as necessary. Based on these messages, the port authorities hoist appropriate storm warning signals for the benefits of ships in the harbour and near the coast.

5.5 INLAND WARNING SERVICES

The Department has been issuing heavy rainfall warnings from 1885 to District officials and offices of the Irrigation, Railway, Police, Telegraphs, Agriculture, Public works and other departments. Information about anticipated rainfall exceeding specified limits in their areas is telegraphed to these officials. Warnings are also issued for other weather phenomena like gales, frost, onset of monsoon etc. Over 19,000 warning messages are issued annually.

5.6 SERVICES TO PUBLIC

The weather services to the public are varied according to the need of the user, but most important are the forecasts and warnings against adverse weather. Every AIR station has a routine programme of broadcast of weather reports in the local language of each region. Special warnings against severe weather, like thunderstorms and dust storms based on radar observations, are broadcast by the AIR stations. The TV stations give coverage for important weather events. Weather information covering rainfall, temperature, pressure distribution and other weather events along with the weather forecasts are telecast daily in Hindi & English on National TV Programme. The latest cloud pictures from INSAT is also telecast along with this information. Many newspapers publish regional weather forecasts and local forecasts regularly. Weather reports, forecasts and telegraphic summaries are supplied to subscribers on request. The latest weather information is also made available to the public through the special information service of the telephone system at Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Tiruchirapalli, Begumpet, Nagpur and Pune.

5.7 SERVICES TO AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS

Prime mandate of the Division is to support agriculturists, planners and all other users by giving advance information relating to weather and crop condition for “planning agricultural operations”, crop yield forecast based on meteorological data, information relating to progress of monsoon, rainfall analysis is issued for dry land farming and technical assistance to various Agricultural Departments, Universities, Research Institutes for establishment and smooth running of their Agromet observatories. Agromet Advisory Bulletins are prepared weekly/bi-weekly in consultation with the State Agricultural experts and various subject matter specialists for the benefit of farmers at 20 Agromet Centres in the country. These Advisories are tailored to meet the agronomic requirements of the farmers based on past and anticipated weather conditions. These advisories are being broadcast by AIR stations within the concerned regions in regional languages and are also telecast wherever the facilities exist. The Agricultural Meteorology division prepared crop weather calendars which to use as a guiding tool for the preparation of Farmer’s Weather Bulletin issued daily by the different Meteorological Centres of the country. These calendars depict the state and stage of the weather conditions and warning to be issued based on the forecasted weather parameters. Crop weather calendars were first prepared in 1945. These calendars give in a “ready form” of weather elements detrimental to crop in various developmental and growth stages.

During 1965 & 1966, major parts of India were under prolonged and severe drought conditions due to wide-spread, deficient summer monsoon rainfall. At the instance of Planning Commission, a special unit called “Drought Research Unit” was started at Pune in June 1967. The objectives of the unit are :-

(a) Agroclimatic and synoptic study of Drought.

(b) Development of formulae for forecasting yield of principal crops in India.

The Drought Research Unit is functioning under the Office of Addl. Director General of Meteorology (Research), Pune. The Drought Research Unit has taken up the following activities to meet its objectives :-

(i) Aridity Anomaly Maps are being prepared during the Kharif Season(June-September) for the whole country and for North East Monsoon Season (October - December) for 5 Meteorological Sub-divisions, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, South Interior Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu and Pondicherry on bi-weekly basis. These maps and reports are disseminated to the various Agromet. Advisory Services Units and the Agricultural Specialists. Also these bi-weekly maps and reports are being supplied to National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad under the joint collaborative project on “Drought Monitoring” between IMD & NRSA, Hyderabad. These maps are useful in monitoring Agricultural Droughts over the country.

(ii) Services to Agriculture and Farmers: Forecasts for rice (Kharif) and Wheat crop production for the chief rice and wheat growing states as well as for total India, are prepared and sent to the Directorate of Economics and statistics, Ministry of Agriculture,New Delhi for use at their end.

(iii) A system of daily weather broadcasts for farmers, known as Farmer’s Weather Bulletin, has been in operation from 1945. These bulletins are issued once a day by the Forecasting Offices, located at Regional Centres and State Capitals for broadcast in different regional languages through the stations of All India Radio in the evening. A second bulletin is issued for broadcast in the morning during the rainy seasons. The bulletins are also published in newspapers. They provide a district wise forecast of weather during the next 40 hours, with an outlook for the following 2 days and take into account the effects of weather on individual crops grown in their respective regions.

During the 70’s National Commission of Agriculture reviewed the working of the Farmer’s Weather Bulletins (FWS) and found that these could be made more effective if they are supplemented by Agrometeorological Advisories. The Agrometeorological Advisory scheme envisages :-

(a) Issue of weekly or bi-weekly Agromet. Advisories tailored

to the needs of the farmers on their field operation.

(b) These bulletins are prepared in co-ordination with the

Agricultural Expert of the State Agricultural Departments

and the meteorologists from the AAS Centres.

(c) The Agromet. Advisory Services (AAS) Centres are functioning at the State Capitals at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Gangtok, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chennai, Patna, Shimla Srinagar, Dehradun, Raipur and Thiruvananthapuram for respective states and at Chandigarh for Punjab and Haryana, at New Delhi for Delhi state and at Pune for Maharashtra.

(d) Consolidated All India Agromet Advisory Service Bulletins are prepared and sent to private agencies on real time basis.

(e) All India Monthly Weather and Crop Bulletin is prepared and sent to Economic amd Statistical Adviser, New Delhi and NCMRWF, New Delhi.

(iv) A Co-ordination Committee on the above AAS scheme, consisting of the officials of India Meteorological Department as well as Ministry of Agriculture, ICAR and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has been constituted in 1984. The Director General of Meteorology is the Chairman and the Director, Agrimet. Division, Pune is the Member-Secretary of this Committee.

An “Agroclimatic Atlas of India” was brought out in 1978. Second paper pack edition of the Atlas was brought out in 1986. These publications are being supplied to users.”

Seven Pilot Balloon Observatories are functioning in West Rajasthan and adjoining areas to study and warn about the movements of Desert Locust Swarms. Special forecast of rainfall and upper wind are issued for Rajasthan and adjoining areas during swarm incidence for anti-locust operation. Studies on inter-relation between crop pests and diseases and current weather parameter have been undertaken in collaboration with some Agricultural Universities/Research Institutes with a view to predict their outbreaks/spread, on the basis of weather information. Soil moisture data are required by research workers in various fields of Agriculture, Irrigation etc. Soil moisture is being recorded on a routine basis at some Agromet Observatories and Departmental Evapotranspiration stations. 15 (Fifteen) soil moisture recording stations have also been established under the scheme “Extension of Soil Moisture Observational Network”. Thus total number of Soil Moisture Recording Stations are 55. Network of Agricultural Meteorological stations, Evaporimeter stations, Evapotranspiration stations, Soil Moisture stations and Dew fall recording stations are shown in the fig. No.14

5.8 AGROMETEOROLOGY SERVICES/TECHNOLOGY MISSION

India Meteorological Department (IMD) is collaborating with National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) for providing medium range weather forecast and advisories to help agriculturists in planning agricultural operations.

Rainfall Climatology for Agricultural Planning unit working under ADGM(R) brings out publication on commencement of sowing Rain for various states. Analysis of a long series of rainfall data, cropping pattern and types of soils for particular states are considered for calculating sowing dates.

5.9 HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING FLOOD FORECASTING SERVICES

The Department is rendering assistance on meteorological aspects in the field of Hydrology, Water management and multipurpose river valley projects. These services are utilised by the Central Water Commission (CWC), Ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources & Railways and Damodar Valley Corporation (financed by the Sponsoring Organisation), Flood Control Authorities and the State Governments. The undermentioned special Meteorological Units are functioning in the department to cater to the needs of specific interests:-

5.9.1 Rainfall Monitoring Unit

Rainfall Monitoring Unit of IMD functions in the Hydromet Division at HQ, New Delhi.

Real Time Monitoring of District wise daily rainfall is one of the important functions of IMD. A network comprising a large number of raingauge stations is utilised under the Districtwise Rainfall Monitoring Scheme (DRMS). Based on the real time daily rainfall data, weekly district- wise, sub-division-wise and state-wise rainfall distribution summaries are prepared as a routine activity of Rainfall Monitoring Unit. Rainfall statistics is prepared in the form of rainfall tables and maps. The tables contain district- wise and sub-division-wise actual, normal and percentage departures of rainfall. Maps showing weekly and cumulative rainfall figures in 36 meteorological sub-divisions are also prepared to present a pectorial distribution of rainfall. Areas of excess, normal, scanty and deficient rainfall are depicted in different colours. Subsequently, updated weekly, monthly and seasonal rainfall distribution summaries are also prepared regularly.

District-wise and sub-division-wise rainfall statistics provides important information useful to the agriculture scientists, planners and decision makers. Therefore, this information is supplied to various Govt. agencies for official use.

5.9.2 Design Storm Unit

Design Storm studies are being conducted to study rainfall magnitude and its time distribution for use as main input for the design engineers in estimating flood for hydraulic structures, irrigation projects, dams etc. on various rivers. The Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) values are also evaluated for optimum utilisation of water resources.

5.9.3 Storm Analysis Unit

Based on the recommendation of Khosla Committee of Engineers, a Storm Analysis Unit is functioning to provide design estimates of short duration rainfall in different sub zones of the country for the purpose of railway and road bridge construction. Hydromet data for a number of river catchments are analysed for probable maximum storms, return periods of very heavy rainfall and run-off relationships. The studies in respect of 24 sub-zones (out of total 26 sub-zones) have so far been completed and the flood estimation reports for the 7 sub-zones have been revised the work for the preparation of All India Atlas of isopluvial maps of different return periods has been taken up. These maps can be used to derive 24 – hour rainfall estimates for specific return periods at any desired locations throughout India.

5.9.4 Flood Met. Unit

Consequent on the recommendations of High Level Ministers Committee on Floods and Flood Relief in 1972, Flood Meteorological Offices (FMO) were set up at ten locations viz., Agra, Ahmedabad, Asansol, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jalpaiguri, Lucknow, New Delhi and Patna. During the flood season, FMOs provide meteorological support to the Central Flood Forecasting Divisions (CFFD) of Central Water Commission (CWC) by issuing Hydromet. Bulletins. FMOs keep round-the-clock watch during the Flood Alert situations. During non-flood season other hydrometeorological activities are carried out i.e. digitisation of autographic rainfall charts, preparation of synoptic analogues and hydrometeorology of the basins and inspection of raingauge stations under the scheme is carried out. In addition, necessary hydrometeorological support and coordination is provided to other Govt. agencies like CWC, Brahmaputra Board, Damodar Valley Corporation etc.

S.No. F.M.O. River Catchments

1. Agra Lower Yamuna, Chambal & Betwa

2. Ahmedabad Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Sabarmati, Banas &

Daman Ganga

3. Asansol Ajay, Mayurakshi & Kangsabati

4. Bhubaneswar Mahanadi,Brahmani,Baiterini,Bruhabalang,

Subernarekha, Rushkulya & Vansdhara

5. Guwahati Brahmaputra & Barak

6. Hyderabad Godawari & Krishna

7. Jalpaiguri Teesta

8. Lucknow Ganga, Ramganga, Gomti, Sai, Rapti,

Ghagra, Sarada

9. New Delhi Upper Yamuna, Lower Yamuna, Sahibi

10. Patna Kosi, Mahananda, Baghmati, Kamala,

Gandak and Buri Gandak, North Koel &

Kanhar, PunPun Upper sone.

5.9.5 Glaciology Unit

To conduct glaciological studies, information on meteorological parameters and snow accumulation in the upper watersheds of the Himalayan rivers is being collected by ground observations. Observational network 31(thirty one) snowgauges/raingauges (21 in H.P. & 10 in Uttaranchal) which includes one class-I and class-IV departmental observatories have been installed in the Himalayas under glaciology scheme.

5.9.6 Water Balance Unit

Water balance studies are being conducted in respect of river basins taking catchment as a unit by applying the well-known techniques of Thornthwaite method of water budgeting and mass conservation equation of hydrological cycle. IMD maintains coordination with the research institutions viz. NIH, NWDA and other government organization like Central Water Commission, Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of Water Resources.

5.9.7 Central Hydromet Observatory (CHO)

CHO is a model hydrometeorological observatory which caters to the need of a variety of visitors. Every year, a large number of scientists, engineers from Govt. agencies, college and school children and teachers, general public visit CHO for general information and awareness in meteorology. Special visits are arranged on important occasions like the World Meteorological Day (23^rd March) and National Science Day (28^th February) every year.

5.10 CYCLONE WARNING SERVICES

5.10.1 The extensive coastal belts of India are exposed to cyclonic storms which originate in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea every year. These cyclones, which are accompanied with very heavy rain, gales and storm surges popularly known as ‘tidal waves’ cause heavy loss of human lives and cattle. They also cause extensive damage to standing crops and property.

It is the endeavour of India Meteorological Department to minimise the loss of human lives and damage to properties due to tropical cyclones by providing early warnings against the tropical cyclones. Cyclone warning is one of the most important functions of the India Meteorological Department and it was the first service undertaken by the department. The cyclone warning service of the India Meteorological Department is more than a century old. Cyclone warnings are provided by the India Meteorological Department from the Area Cyclone Warning Centres (ACWCs) at Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai and Cyclone Warning Centres (CWCs) at Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar and Ahmedabad.

The Complete Cyclone Warning Programme in the country is supervised by the cyclone warning Division (CWD) at Head Quarter Ofice of the Director General of Meteorology at New Delhi. This Division provides cyclone warning bulletins to Doordarshan and AIR Stations at New Delhi for inclusion in the national broadcast/telecast. Information on cyclone warnings are furnished on a real time basis to the control room in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, besides other Ministries & Departments of the Central Government. The CWD monitors the cyclone disturbance both in the Bay of Bangal and the Arabian Sea and advises the Government of India at the Apex level. The Deputy Director General of Meteorology (Weather forecasting) Pune monitors technical aspects and reviews the Standard Practices in the area of cyclone forecasting.

Besides the above, the Cyclone Warning Division has the following functions at the international level :

(a) To serve as Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) – Tropical Cyclone, New Delhi

(b) To implement the Regional Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan of WMO/ESCAP Panel.

(c) To issue daily a Tropical Weather Outlook for the North Indian Ocean to the Panel Countries viz. Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Srilanka and Thailand.

(d) To provide Cyclone Advisories to the Panel Countries.

(e) To issue Tropical Cyclone Advisories for International Aviation at 6- hourly intervals

(f) To prepare every year a comprehensive scientific report on the cyclones in the North Indian Ocean (Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea).

(g) To prepare WMO/ESCAP Panel Annual Review and its submission to WMO for publication and distribution.

5.10.2 The following is the list of bulletins and warnings issued by Cyclone Warning Centres for their respective areas of responsibility :-

(1) Sea Area Bulletins for ships plying in High Seas through P & T’s coastal Radio stations.

(2) Coastal Weather bulletins for ships plying in coastal waters.

(3) Bulletins for Global Distress and safety system (GMDSS) broadcast through Indian Coast Earth Station.

(4) Bulletin for Indian Navy

(5) Port Warnings

(6) Fisheries Warnings

(7) Four stage warnings for State Govt. officials

(8) Bulletins for broadcast through AIRs for general public

(9) Warning for registered users

(10) Bulletins for Press

(11) Warning for Aviation (issued by concerned Aviation Meteorological Offices).

(12) Bulletins for ships in the high seas through Navtex Coastal Radio Stations.

Cyclone warnings are communicated to Govt. officials and other parties by Fax, high priority Telegrams, T/P’s, Telex and Telephones. Police wireless is also used as and when required. Telegram as a mode of communication is being phased out and cyclone warnings are also disseminated through Satellite based DCWDS/CWDS system in local languages in coastal areas.

The general public, the coastal, residents and fishermen are warned through State Govt. officials and broadcast of warnings through AIRs and DD telecast programme in national and regional hook up. The cyclone warnings are issued to State Govt. officials in four stages:

The first stage warning known as “Pre-cyclone watch” issued 72 hours in advance contains early warning about the development of a cyclonic disturbance in the North Indian Ocean, its likely intensification into a tropical cyclone and the coastal belt likely to experience adverse weather. This early warning bulletin is issued by the Director General of Meteorology himself and is addressed to the cabinet secretary and other senior officers of the Government of India including the chief secretaries of concerned maritime states.

The second stage warning known as “Cyclone Alert” is issued at least 48 hours in advance of the expected commencement of adverse weather over the coastal areas. It contain information on the location of the strom direction of its movement, intensification, coastal districts likely to experience adverse weather and advice to fishermen. This is issued by the concerned ACWCs/CWCs.

The third stage warning known as “Cyclone Warning” commences at least 24 hours in advance. Landfall point is forecast at this stage. These warning are issued by ACWCs/CWCs at 3 hourly interval giving the latest position of cyclone, its intensity (maximum sustained surface wind speed) and likely time and point of landfall, impact of strong winds and heavy rain and advice to fishermen and general public.

The fourth stage of warning known as “Post Landfall Outlook” is issued at least 12 hours in advance of expected time of landfall by the concerned ACWC gives likely direction of movement of the Cyclone after its landfall and adverse weather likely to be experienced in the areas away from the coast.

During disturbed weather over Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, the ports likely to be affected are warned through Storm Warning Signals. The Department also issues “Fleet Forecast” for Indian Navy and coastal bulletins for Indian coastal areas covering upto 75 Kms from the coast line.

Tropical cyclone advisories for the cyclones forming over the area West of 65^oE in the Arabian Sea, are also issued to Met. Watch Offices of middle East region through AFTN Channel.

5.10.3 Cyclone Warning Dissemination System (CWDS)

In addition to existing mode of dissemination of cyclone warnings to various State Governments, port officials etc. through high priority telegrams, telephones and Telex/Telefax by IMD, scheme, known as Cyclone Warning Dissemination System (CWDS) using INSAT is also in use. This communication method is more reliable as it does not use terrestrial links which are disrupted during severe weather conditions.

Total number of 252 analogue CWDS receivers have been installed in the cyclone prone areas of east and west coasts. The cyclone warning messages are broadcast in local languages of the area likely to be affected. Messages for the states of West Bengal and Orissa are broadcast from ACWC Kolkata; Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka are covered by ACWC Chennai. The broadcast for Maharashtra and Gujarat states originate from ACWC Mumbai. 100 more Digital CWDS receivers based on Digital Technology are also being deployed in Andhra Pradesh under the world Bank Project in the year 2003. It is planned to replace all the 252 analogue CWDS Receivers by the Digital CWDS till 2007 and increase the network to 400 from 350 at present.

5.10.4 Disaster Management

The ministry of Agriculture, Government of India set up a High Powered Committee (HPC) at the beneet of the Prime Minister of India to review disaster management machinery in the country and to formulate a comprehensive model plan for disaster management at the National, State and district levels. This committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Shri J.C. Pant, former secretary to Government of India with 11 members including DG, IMD as one of the member. HPC framed five sub-groups to gear up the whole mechanism on Disaster management Plan and IMD was asked to prepare the plan for sub-group on water and climate related Hazards. Based on the inputs received from the member, a draft report has been prepared and submitted to HPC.

In order to give quick information on the damage potential of tropical cyclones, IMD has prepared a brochure “Damage Potential of Tropical Cyclones”. It contains a table that shows the impact of tropical cyclones and suggested actions. This will benefit crisis managers and the public administrators.

Office of ADGM(R) brings out an annual publication entitled “Disastrous Weather Events” since 1967. This publication contains the information regarding loss of lives and damage to agriculture/property due to disastrous weather events like cold wave, Heat wave, snowfall, Drought, Squall, Gale, Lighting, Thunderstorms, Hail storm, Flood & heavy rain and cyclones. Efforts are on to demarcate disaster prone areas, for different events. This would ultimately help for the preparedness and effective Disaster imitative planning to the concerned officials.

5.11 CLIMATOLOGICAL SERVICES

The surface and Pilot Balloon Observation, recorded at various observatories, are scrutinised and keyed in at Regional Met. Centres & Met. Centres at State Capitals. These data are then transferred to National Data Centre, Pune for processing and archival. All other types of data, viz. Radiosonde, Radiowind, Daily rainfall, Radiation etc. are scrutinised and keyed in at Pune. Modern key to floppy data entry machines are used for directly transferring the data from manuscripts to magnetic media for electronic data processing and archival. The department has approx. 9.30 billion characters of data in its archives which also includes ship’s data and rainfall data of State Raingauges for a very long period. Computation of means, normals, frequencies and other desired parameters, their analysis