Climate's Harsh Reality
The escalating climate crisis has intensified the monsoon's impact, causing widespread destruction. Flooded cities and mountain devastation are no longer
exceptions but the norm. Planning inadequacies in urban centers, like the NCR, and environmental disregard in mountain development further exacerbate the issue.
Nowcasting's Crucial Role
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is actively pushing for 'nowcasting' to enhance accuracy. Launched earlier this year, the Bharat Forecast System is designed for precise forecasting of extreme rainfall over localized areas. However, substantial capacity building is still required.
Boosting Infrastructure Skills
The IMD's infrastructure still needs serious improvements to properly monitor the weather. The quantity of automatic weather stations, rain gauges, and Doppler radar is lower than estimated requirements. Collaboration with state governments and private entities could potentially fill the gap.
Prioritizing Climate Action
Given the short lead time for extreme weather events, it is critical to prioritize climate resilience. Central and state governments, along with local bodies, must make climate resilience a proactive function. Strengthening urban infrastructure and promoting sustainable mountain development are immediate priorities.
