CHENNAI: Despite weather forecasting techniques taking a quantum leap with satellite, radar images etc. and forecasts prepared using state-of-the-art ‘Statistical Ensemble Forecasting System’, coupled with latest models developed under ‘Monsoon Mission’ of the Earth Sciences Ministry, weathermen still face brickbats from the public when their predictions go awry.
The anger against the IMD is directly proportional to the extent and urgency with which rain is needed over a particular area, like North Tamil Nadu and Chennai in particular for instance this year, amid the city reeling under one of the worst water shortage crisis since early 1990s’.
But here comes a rare silver lining for the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Earlier this month, they won the appreciation of the highest Constitutional office in the country, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the seat of the President of India.
Whatever may happen to the weakening severe cyclonic storm ‘Vaayu’ in the coming days, ‘Mausam Bhavan’ in New Delhi had an unexpected bouquet from Raisina Hills, the highest quarters. Reason: The IMD’s weather prediction for May 30, 2019, when the Modi.2 ‘Sarkar’ assumed office, was accurate to the last dot that promptly called for this indulgence.
In a letter to Dr M Mohapatra, Scientist G, IMD, Mr. Sanjay Kothari, Secretary to the President of India, placed on record that the swearing-in-ceremony of the new council of Ministers in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 30, was a “grand success and has come in for praise and appreciation from all quarters.”
In particular, the IMD’s ‘accurate predictions’ for that day “helped us to put in place necessary arrangements for the convenience of the visitors, thereby ensuring smooth conduct of the event,” Kothari’s letter said, conveying the President’s pat for the IMD team members’ “professionalism”. A rare laudation for India’s weathermen!
