"IMD's impact extends beyond borders; neighbours also rely on its expertise": VP Dhankhar

New Delhi [India], January 15 : Lauding the India Meteorological Department for issuing timely forecasts of weather events such as cyclones that helped save lives, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday said that the IMD's impact extends beyond the borders as neighbouring countries also rely on its expertise as "evidenced" during cyclone 'Mocha'.
"IMD's impact extends beyond our borders. Our neighbours also rely on IMD's expertise as evidenced during Cyclone Mocha. Our technological progress is also an important mechanism of soft diplomacy because relationships are defined by what a country has to gain from another in economy & technology," Dhankhar said.
He also said that the MeT department is touching every life, be it- farmers farming the land or jawans guarding the borders.
Launching the yearlong 150th anniversary celebrations of IMD, Dhankhar said that the IMD acts as a safety net protecting our national interest, shielding our citizens from the wrath of nature.
"IMD is much beyond just weather forecast, and I am saying this because I am the son of a farmer. IMD acts as a safety net protecting our national interest, shielding our citizens from the wrath of nature, and of course, it is extremely useful for our security concerns. We have come a long way. From agriculture to healthcare, aviation to energy, it is present in our lives and with an affirmative stance. Farmers farming the land to jawans guarding the borders, IMD plays a critical positive role," he added.
The Vice President further said that there was a time when rainfall forecasts proved to be incorrect, due to lack of scientific progress, but now the predictions are precise.
"There was a time when IMD used to predict rains and there were no rains because there was little scientific progress. Now so much is the precision, it is by seconds. We are proud of our scientists," the vice president said.
He also launched a mobile app of the IMD -- 'Mausam' -- that integrates all services offered by the weather office and unveiled new initiatives such as the 'Panchayat Mausam Seva', Decision Support System and the National Framework for Climate Services.
"Gone are the days of fragmented disaster management; today, a robust system ensures a predictable mechanism for financing not just response, but mitigation, preparedness, and recovery. I could see inputs made available by IMD, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force acting in tandem ensuring not a single mortality on high seas, hardly damaging two vessels, and ensuring coastal areas were cleared," he said.
The vice president also said that the country has to go a long way not by following someone's technology but by being "technological leaders."
"We have to travel that path not by following someone's technology but by being technological leaders. We have to be prepared because the dynamics of climate change vary to an extent that even disruptive technology may fall short of it. All of us, therefore, to save the planet, have to act in tandem and togetherness," Dhankhar said.
He further said that India, home to 1/6 th of humanity and possessing the most brilliant human resource in the world, will, with commitment and direction, lead the world.
"I may not be around then, but I am sure my wish will fructify. Bharat in 2047 will be the world's most developed nation, leading the world for harmony, peace, and stability," he added.