By Dr. M. Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India

It is with great pride and immense satisfaction that I extend my heartiest greetings to all readers, colleagues, stakeholders, and citizens of India on the occasion of a historic milestone—the completion of 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This sesquicentennial celebration marks a remarkable journey of scientific progress, dedicated public service and enduring commitment to safeguarding life, property, and the environment. This milestone is not just a reflection of IMD’s longevity but a celebration of its evolution as a national institution committed to weather and climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and public welfare

Established in 1875, the India Meteorological Department was born out of the need to monitor and understand the complex weather systems affecting the Indian subcontinent. Over the past century and a half, IMD has grown from a modest weather observation service into one of the world’s leading meteorological organisations, with a robust network of observatories, advanced satellite & radar systems, numerical modelling, and artificial intelligence integration. Our progress reflects the transformation of India itself—from colonial administration to a modern republic embracing science and technology in every facet of national development. With a mandate to serve sectors as diverse as agriculture, aviation, energy, health, and disaster management, IMD has been at the forefront of supporting India’s development while minimising the risks posed by extreme weather events

Throughout this journey, IMD has played a vital role in disaster risk reduction, providing early warnings for cyclones, heavy rainfall, heatwaves, thunderstorms, and other extreme weather events. Our services have saved countless lives and protected critical infrastructure, making IMD an indispensable pillar of national resilience and have guided both short-term responses and long-term planning. Particularly in recent decades, we have witnessed a significant improvement in the accuracy, lead time, and dissemination of forecasts, driven by advancements in high-performance computing, real-time data collection, and integration with national and international agencies.

IMD’s contributions go far beyond weather prediction. With the shift from traditional weather forecasting to impact-based forecasting services, IMD has empowered farmers through agrometeorological advisories, supported aviation and maritime sectors with precision forecasts, and guided urban planning and energy management through climate assessments. Our partnership with disaster management authorities, state governments, local administrations and civil society organisations like AIDMI has ensured that critical information reaches the last mile, especially during life-threatening weather events.

As we celebrate this extraordinary milestone, we also recognise the challenges that lie ahead. Climate change, urbanisation, and increasing frequency of extreme weather demand continuous innovation and enhanced collaboration. In this context, IMD is deepening its investment in science, technology, and partnerships to ensure that our weather and climate services are increasingly user-centric, location-specific, and inclusive. Our goal is to ensure that no community is left behind in accessing actionable weather information—particularly the most vulnerable groups who bear the brunt of climate risk. IMD is fully committed to expanding its capabilities in line with the vision of “Weather and Climate Services for All”, ensuring inclusivity, accessibility, and scientific rigor in every service we deliver.

This commemorative edition of the  Southasiadisasters.net is a tribute to the legacy of IMD and the collective effort of scientists, meteorologists, engineers, forecasters, and administrative personnel who have shaped its journey. It showcases the evolution of weather services in India, celebrates key milestones, and reflects on the path forward. I extend my sincere appreciation to AIDMI for its ongoing work in the field of disaster risk reduction and for highlighting IMD’s contributions in this special edition. On behalf of the India Meteorological Department, I hope we will move ahead with renewed energy and resolve, working together to build a weather-resilient and climate-smart India, rooted in knowledge, powered by innovation, and dedicated to the service of the people.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.