Govt okays continuation of weather services scheme

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affair (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared continuation of nine sub-schemes under Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services (ACROSS) worth Rs 1,450 crore for the period 2017-2020, a government statement said. The CCEA also approved establishment of National Facility for Airborne Research (NFAR) with a financial commitment of Rs 130 crore during 2020-21 and beyond.

The sub-schemes under ACROSS, which are being implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and its multiple agencies, will continue to work towards enhanced and improved weather and climate services in the country. This would include warnings for cyclones, storm surges, heat waves and thunderstorms.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, India Meteorology Department (IMD) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services are some of the agencies which are implementing the sub-schemes.

"The objective of the ACROSS scheme is to provide a reliable weather and climate forecast for betterment of society. The scheme aims at improving skill of weather and climate forecast through sustained observations, intensive research and development as well as by adopting effective dissemination and communication strategies," the government note said.

NEW FACILITY

The Union Cabinet also approved establishment of National Facility for Airborne Research with a commitment of Rs 130 crore