The role of Indian Meteorology Department (IMD) advisory especially considering the recent Phalin and Uttarakhand disaster were discussed in the 4th Prof BP Ghildiyal Memorial lecture organised under the aegis of Indian Society of Agro-physics at Nuclear Research laboratory, IARI campus (PUSA), New Delhi.
During the lecture, highlighting some other role of the IMD, it was discussed that the management of water level in Hirakud Dam in Odisha on IMD advisory prevented a disaster during Phalin. Dr lS Rathore, gave a very detailed insight into the functioning and role of IMD, the advances made in the recent time and the challenges being faced by the department.
The role of IMD related to agriculture, observe and predict, agromet advisory services, future need and strategies, sustainable agriculture, major challenges faced by IMD, defining initial conditions, bringing higher percentage of accuracy in prediction and some other points were discussed in the lecture.
The highlight of the lecture was the presentation on accurate prediction and management of Cyclone Phalin. The accuracy of prediction on intensity, time and landfall of the cyclone has set a new benchmark not only for India but also for the developed countries. The western countries, which all along had a different view on the cyclone and expressed that the IMD was downplaying the intensity of the cyclone, were forced to acknowledge the expertise and proficiency of the IMD, opined the experts.
Dr lS Rathore, Director General, Indian Meteorology Department, Government of India and the Guest of Honour, Dr TN Choudhary graced the occasion as the Chief guests.a