India Meteorological Department celebrates 150th anniversary with launch of Mausam Gram Seva

In a celebration of its 150th foundation day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has unveiled the latest version of its mobile app, Mausam. The star of the upgrade is the Mausam Gram service, an innovative feature accessible through the app, which promises a wide range of weather information and forecasts across the country, including maritime areas.

During the 150th-day celebration, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the Mausam and Panchayat Mausam Seva services, highlighting a commitment to farmers. A book released at the event traced the development of the IMD from 1865 when it began issuing port weather warnings.

India Meteorological Department

IMD, established in 1875, coordinates and extends the work of different authorities by collaborating with administrative and medical officers. Its purpose is to note temperature, pressure, and rainfall in various districts.

In October 1864, a severe cyclone hit the Bay of Bengal, causing significant damage in Kolkata and claiming over 80,000 lives. Shortly afterwards, another cyclone hit Machilipattanam, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 people.

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In response to these disasters, a Sanitary Commission was formed. Its recommendations led the Government of India to establish the Meteorological Department. In 1875, Mr H.F. Blandford became the Imperial Meteorological reporter. The IMD took charge of all meteorological activities in India.

The IMD has played a pivotal role in weather forecasting, introducing key services like aviation weather forecasts (1911), agrometeorology (1945), storm surge warnings (1977), air quality forecasts (2018), and urban meteorological services (2020).

This milestone signifies a historic achievement in meteorology and a helpful step for farmers across the country. The Mausam app, designed with the vision of empowering every household, has been launched with a commitment to inclusivity. Available in English, Hindi, and 12 regional languages, the app aims to make precise weather forecasts accessible to a diverse audience.

A standout feature of the app is the Panchayat Mausam Seva, an offshoot tailored specifically for farmers. This service delivers real-time weather alerts and guidance customised to suit various agricultural activities. This will help them make informed decisions on activities like sowing, transplanting, irrigation and fertilizer use.

Speaking on the occasion, the officials highlighted the commitment of the India Meteorological Department to supporting the agricultural community and addressing the challenges caused by unpredictable weather conditions. The upgraded Mausam app, with its focus on precision, accessibility, and inclusivity, reflects a modernized approach to weather forecasting services.

The app is available in English, Hindi, and 12 regional languages, offering detailed weather forecasts for parameters like rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind, and clouds. Users can easily search for weather information by location name, pincode, or latitude-longitude, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.

This move is seen as an evolution in agrometeorology services, with the potential to reduce farm input costs and mitigate crop losses due to unpredictable weather.

The Mausam app's new phase emphasises support for farmers through Panchayat Mausam Seva, showcasing a modern approach to using technology for agricultural benefit. The IMD's journey blends tradition and innovation, showcasing a dedication to providing accurate and timely weather information for societal well-being.

The Mausam app, with its advanced features and commitment to farmers' welfare, stands as a testament to the India Meteorological Department's dedication to technological innovation and public service.