Cabinet extends scheme on improving weather forecasting

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday approved the continuation of its scheme "Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)" which will provide improved weather, climate and ocean forecasts and services.

"Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet has approved the continuation of the nine sub-schemes of the umbrella scheme 'ACROSS' during 2017-2020 at an estimated cost of Rs 1,450 crore," a government statement said.

The scheme will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through its institutes namely India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS).

The CCEA also approved the establishment of a National Facility for Airborne Research (NFAR) with a financial commitment of Rs 130 crore during 2020-21 and beyond.

The ACROSS scheme, the CCEA said, addresses different aspects of weather and climate services which include warnings for a cyclone, storm surges, heat waves and thunderstorms, thereby "ensuring transfer of commensurate benefits to the various services like public weather service, disaster management, agro-meteorological services, aviation services, and environmental monitoring services".

"The scheme will aim at improving weather and climate forecast through sustained observations, intensive research and development, and by adopting effective dissemination and communication strategies to ensure its timely reach to the end-user of all services," the CCEA said.

--IANS

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