Brahmaputra Flood Forecasting and Climate Resilience Mission

Why in news

The Union Cabinet approved the Central Sector Scheme Mission Mausam in 2024, aiming to make India weather-ready and climate-smart, with a focus on enhancing weather and climate predictions and early warning systems, particularly relevant for flood-prone regions like Assam.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS3 · Geography, Environment & Ecology, Governance, Disaster Management · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Union Cabinet approved the Central Sector Scheme Mission Mausam in 2024.
2. The mission aims to make Bharat a "Weather-ready and Climate-smart" nation.
3. It focuses on enhancing weather and climate prediction accuracy and spatial resolution.
4. The Central Water Commission (CWC) issues short-range flood forecasts with up to 24 hours lead time to State Governments.
5. CWC maintains 32 flood forecast stations in the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems in Assam.
6. India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses 6 physical and 3 artificial intelligence-based numerical weather prediction models.

Prelims pointers

• Mission Mausam was approved in 2024.
• It is a Central Sector Scheme.
• The Central Water Commission (CWC) issues flood forecasts.
• CWC operates 32 flood forecast stations in Assam's Brahmaputra and Barak river systems.
• India Meteorological Department (IMD) utilizes AI-based weather prediction models.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of Mission Mausam in enhancing India's climate resilience and disaster management capabilities, with a specific focus on flood forecasting in riverine states like Assam.

Static linkage

Mission Mausam is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at improving weather and climate forecasting. The Central Water Commission (CWC) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) are key government bodies involved in water resource management, flood forecasting, and meteorological services, respectively, which are crucial for disaster management and climate resilience.

Significance

The mission is significant for improving disaster preparedness, especially in flood-prone areas like Assam, by enhancing the accuracy and reach of weather and flood forecasts. This can lead to better mitigation strategies, reduced loss of life and property, and improved climate resilience for the nation. The integration of advanced technologies like AI in forecasting models signifies a move towards more sophisticated weather prediction capabilities.