Climate Crisis Unfolds
The monsoon seasons in recent years have shown the impacts of the unfolding climate crisis. Intense rainfall, flooded cities, and mountain devastation
highlight the need for urgent action. This crisis also reveals inadequacies in urban planning, especially in areas like the NCR, and the disregard for ecological concerns in infrastructure projects, impacting areas from Mumbai to Mussoorie.
IMD's New Approach
Due to the increasing uncertainty in weather forecasting, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is pushing nowcasting. This approach provides detailed local forecasts just hours before a weather event. The Bharat Forecast System, introduced earlier this year, aims at better forecasting of extreme rainfall in smaller areas, signifying some progress.
Boosting Forecasting Capacity
Despite advances, there's still a significant need to augment capacity. The IMD's automatic weather stations, rain gauges, and Doppler weather radar numbers are still behind estimated requirements. Leveraging resources from state governments and private players, even seasonally, could help improve the situation across the country, from Kerala to Kashmir.
Proactive Climate Resilience
With short lead times for preparing for extreme events, the Centre, states, and local bodies must make climate resilience a proactive function. Addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities in cities and prioritizing ecologically mindful development in the hills are immediate necessities. This requires collaborative efforts across all levels of government.
Future Action Needed
The challenges posed by the changing monsoon require integrated action. This includes improving forecasting accuracy, strengthening infrastructure, and adopting sustainable development practices. The focus should be on building resilience at every level, ensuring that communities across India are prepared for the impacts of climate change, from coastal areas to the heartlands.
