Jammu: In a major boost to weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in the Himalayan region, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh will formally declare the establishment of a new Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) at Jammu on June 5.
The announcement was highlighted during a curtain-raiser programme held at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, ahead of the formal inauguration ceremony.
Addressing the media, Director, Meteorological Department, Mukhtar Ahmed said the Centre has already been functioning administratively for the past two years and is serving Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and adjoining Himachal Pradesh. He said the formal declaration by the Union Minister marks a significant milestone in strengthening weather services and early warning systems across the region.
“The new Regional Meteorological Centre will further augment observational and monitoring networks and improve weather forecasting capabilities for the entire north-western Himalayan region,” Ahmed said.
The new centre is expected to significantly strengthen meteorological services by integrating advanced weather observation technologies, including X-band Doppler Weather Radar systems and an expanded network of Automatic Weather Stations. This will enhance real-time weather monitoring, forecasting accuracy and dissemination of timely weather advisories.
Officials said the RMC will play a crucial role in monitoring and forecasting extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, snowfall, flash floods, cloudbursts, thunderstorms, avalanches, heatwaves and coldwaves, helping authorities respond more effectively to weather-related emergencies.
Mukhtar Ahmed said improved forecasting and warning systems are particularly important for hilly and vulnerable regions frequently affected by flash floods, cloudbursts and other weather-related hazards. He expressed confidence that the Centre would help reduce weather-related losses and strengthen disaster preparedness efforts.
The centre is also expected to support key sectors including disaster management, agriculture, aviation, hydropower, tourism, water resources and transportation by providing timely and accurate weather information.
According to officials, the establishment of the Regional Meteorological Centre reflects the Government’s continued focus on strengthening forecasting infrastructure and improving climate and weather services in the north-western Himalayan region.
The formal declaration ceremony will be held at the Convention Centre, Jammu, where Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministries of Earth Sciences and Science & Technology, will inaugurate the facility.
J&K Minister for Science and Technology Satish Sharma and Jammu MP Jugal Kishore Sharma are expected to attend the event. Director General of Meteorology M. Mohapatra, senior India Meteorological Department officials and representatives from various Central Government departments will also be present.
Officials described the initiative as a landmark step towards enhancing weather and climate services across one of India’s most strategically important and meteorologically sensitive regions.
