Panel to Examine Legal Framework for India Meteorological Department

Speedy Summary

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has set up a committee to draft a legal framework for meteorological services in India, as revealed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh in Rajya Sabha.
• This action aligns with the World Meteorological Organization’s mandate requiring member countries to establish legislation for hydro-meteorological services.
• Currently,the India Meteorological Department (IMD),a subsidiary under MoES and government-funded,lacks a definitive legal structure governing its roles and responsibilities.
• Instances of conflicting weather forecasts from research organizations and private entities have led to confusion among the public; this prompted WMO’s advice for legally binding weather advisory policies.
• The legal framework aims to avoid public confusion by designating NMHS (National Meteorological and Hydrological Service) as the sole “official” authority for forecasts while ensuring resource allocation and international communication access.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The formation of a specialized committee to create legal instruments governing meteorological services indicates India’s efforts toward standardizing essential functions such as monsoon forecasts and cyclone warnings.By addressing discrepancies caused by competing organizations issuing divergent predictions, this initiative promises improved coordination. It may also enhance trust in official advisories critical during emergencies like floods or severe cyclones.

india’s move follows global best practices endorsed by WMO where over half of its member nations have similar frameworks.Codifying IMD’s roles could strengthen disaster management capabilities while providing clarity about responsibilities within the NMHS structure. Such legislative measures would likely ensure better utilization of public resources, streamlined operations, clearer accountability, and comprehensive disaster mitigation functions-important priorities for India given its vulnerability to climate impacts.

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Image:
!Union Minister Jitendra Singh | Photo Credit: ANI