Cabinet okays Rs 2,135 crore scheme for better weather & climate forecasting

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the continuation of the umbrella scheme "Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)" along with its eight sub-schemes to the next finance cycle of five years (2021-2026) at an estimated cost of Rs 2,135 crore.</p>
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The scheme will provide improved weather, climate and ocean forecast services thereby ensuring transfer of commensurate benefits to the end -user through various services like Public weather service, Agro-meteorological Services, Aviation services, Environmental monitoring services, Hydro-meteorological services, climate services, tourism, pilgrimage, power generation, water management, sports and adventure etc.</p>
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The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through its units namely India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF); Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).</p>
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The whole process from generation of forecast to its delivery requires considerable manpower at every stage, thereby generating employment opportunities to many people.</p>
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ACROSS scheme pertains to the atmospheric science programs of Ministry of Earth Sciences and addresses different aspects of weather and climate services. Each of these aspects is incorporated as eight sub-schemes under the umbrella scheme "ACROSS" and is implemented in an integrated manner through the aforesaid four institutes.</p>