The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday got a new logo ahead of the commencement of its 150th year of providing weather and climate services to the country.
The official logo, the third since its inception in 1875, was unveiled by Kiren Rijiju, Minister, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), in the presence of M Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, and Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD, along with former and incumbent meteorologists during a special event organised in New Delhi.
Established on January 15, 1875, the IMD is soon entering its 150th year. The Met department has come a long way since, from mere recording temperature and air pressure to being one of the well-equipped meteorological centres functioning in South Asia, best known for monsoon predictions and cyclone tracking and warnings.
The new logo, in a mix of orange and green colours, depicts numerical 150 embedded with the present logo showing the Indian monsoon winds crossing over India. The logo was selected from over 1,000 logo entries called for during a recently concluded competition, said Mohapatra.
Speaking on the importance of the changing weather and climate, Rijiju said: “IMD’s role is going to be more critical in the days to come, as we will get to hear more issues regarding climate and weather patterns. Interesting studies await young researchers and scientists dealing with climate studies and I am confident that India will take a lead role in climate studies,” he said.
Suggesting the IMD to embark on outreach activities in its 150th year, Ravichandran said: “It is our endeavour to communicate to people what events can and cannot be forecast. People may have high expectations and misunderstand that IMD is capable of forecasting every event, be it earthquake or lightning. But it is upon us to reach out and communicate (the science).”
The IMD shares trans-boundary weather updates, forecasts, cyclone warnings alongside offering training to the meteorological personnel of a number of South Asian countries. The IMD, through its meteorological and regional centres, issues daily and periodic weather forecasts and climate predictions. In addition, it provides tailor-made weather products required for agriculture, power, tourism, ports, health and several other sectors.