ITANAGAR, June 5: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CES & HS), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in Itanagar on June 5, 2023, is expected to bring numerous benefits to the state, as stated by Union Minister for Earth Science, Kiren Rijiju.
In his address to the officers and officials present on the occasion, Union Minister Rijiju expressed that the people of Arunachal Pradesh will benefit from accurate weather forecasts and warnings through increased meteorological observations in the state. The Ministry of Earth Science’s activities will expand in the state, focusing on the Himalayan region and the study of the young mountain range. The department’s scientists will conduct several studies that will be beneficial for scientists and utilized for planning and development. Rijiju expressed his determination to achieve further milestones in these matters.
As part of this collaboration, three weather forecast centers (Doppler centers) will be established in the state: one in Seppa for western Arunachal, another in Aalo for central Arunachal, and a third in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh, with suitable locations identified by the concerned minister. Union Minister Rijiju requested the state government to provide the necessary land for the establishment of these three centers. He also assured the establishment of hundreds of rain gauge weather information centers throughout the state.
The state government, in the presence of several senior members including Minister for Science & Technology Honchun Ngandam, Chairman Bamang Mangha, and senior officers of the department, took the step to collaborate with the Ministry of Earth Science. This agreement will facilitate intensive studies on weather forecasting for agriculture, weather conditions, long-term and short-term forecasts, research, and planning, benefiting everyone and contributing to the development of the Science & Technology sector.
Referring to the celebration of World Environment Day, Union Minister Rijiju emphasized the global concern for issues such as global warming, climate change, deforestation, and the importance of rivers in sustaining life. He stressed the need to maintain an environmentally friendly approach to ensure the preservation of our natural surroundings, plants, trees, and good health.
Regarding the memorandum submitted on the occasion, Union Minister Rijiju assured that he would review it and take appropriate action. Minister of Science and Technology Honchun Ngandam expressed his satisfaction with the enhanced network of weather observations in the state and assured all possible assistance from the state to the India Meteorological Department for the execution of meteorological observatories’ installation works.
Tana Tage, Director of the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies in Arunachal Pradesh, warmly welcomed all the dignitaries and emphasized the importance of the MoU and its long-term impact on research activities for societal benefits.
Dr. Sanjay O’Neill Shaw, Scientist-F at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati, explained that under the MoU, both organizations will conduct joint research and development in the field of meteorology and related subjects, including knowledge transfer and information/data sharing in areas such as weather, extreme event monitoring and forecasting. The IMD, with the assistance of CES & HS, plans to install approximately 100 Automatic Weather Stations/Automatic Rain Gauge Stations in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, IMD is planning to install three X-band Doppler Weather Radars in the state, which will enhance surface weather observations. Weather forecasts with impact-based advis
