2025 - India Meteorological Department | Commemorative Coin

The first commemorative coin of 2025 was released to celebrate the 150 Years of India Meteorological Department.

The India Meteorological Department, commonly known as the IMD, has served as the nation’s principal agency for weather forecasting, climate research, and seismological observations since its establishment in 1875. Over the decades, it evolved into a scientific institution of national importance, guiding everything from agriculture and aviation to disaster management and environmental planning. Its origins lay in the need to understand the complexities of the Indian monsoon, a climatic system that profoundly influences the livelihood and economy of the country. Early meteorologists laid the foundation for systematic weather observation, gradually building a network of observatories across the subcontinent. As scientific knowledge expanded, the IMD grew into a sophisticated organisation equipped with advanced tools and technologies.

The role of the IMD became increasingly vital as India faced cyclones, droughts, floods, heatwaves, and other extreme weather events. Accurate forecasts and early warnings became essential to reducing loss of life and mitigating damage. With time, the department introduced modern forecasting techniques, integrating satellite data, Doppler weather radars, automatic weather stations, numerical weather prediction models, and advanced computational systems. These innovations enabled the IMD to deliver more precise short-range, medium-range, and long-range forecasts, as well as real-time alerts. Its cyclone prediction capabilities, in particular, gained global recognition for their improved accuracy and timely dissemination.

The IMD’s responsibilities extend beyond weather forecasting. It monitors oceanic conditions, atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and climate variability, contributing valuable insights for environmental policies and public health. As India’s nodal agency for seismology, it operates a national network of seismic stations, providing data essential for assessing earthquake risks. The department’s climatological records, some of which span more than a century, offer researchers crucial information about long-term climate trends, monsoon behavior, and extreme weather patterns.

Communication has always been central to the IMD’s mission. Over the years, it developed structured channels to reach farmers, fishermen, civil authorities, the media, and the general public. Dedicated weather bulletins, mobile applications, online portals, and social media platforms allow people to access forecasts and warnings instantly. The IMD also collaborates with national and international agencies, sharing data and expertise to strengthen global understanding of weather and climate systems.

In recent years, the IMD has taken on an even more critical role as climate change reshapes weather patterns across the world. Increasingly unpredictable monsoons, rising temperatures, and more intense cyclones have placed new demands on forecasting systems. The department continues to upgrade its technology, expand its observational networks, and invest in research to enhance predictive capabilities. It also undertakes initiatives to improve public awareness, ensuring that people understand weather alerts and respond effectively during emergencies.

Through its long history, the India Meteorological Department has become an institution deeply embedded in the fabric of the nation’s daily life. Its scientific contributions support agriculture, safeguard coastal communities, assist aviation and marine operations, and help governments plan for the future. As India moves forward in a changing climate, the IMD remains a cornerstone of national preparedness, resilience, and scientific advancement.

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