Renowned scientist and cyclone warning
specialist Mrutyunjay
Mohapatra was appointed as the Chief of India Meteorological
Department (IMD). His is popularly known as Cyclone man. He
will take charge in the month of August.
Mohapatra and his team at the Cyclone Warning Division (CWD) of the
IMD are noted for their accurate forecasts on cyclones
which have enabled the authorities to ensure early evacuation of millions of
people eventually saving
many lives. In the past six years, the CWD has given
accurate forecasts on cyclones including when Phailin in 2013), Hudhud cyclone in 2014 and Titli
in 2018 that hit the eastern coast.
India
Meteorological Department
Formed
on: 1875
Headquarters: New Delhi
Functions
under: Ministry of Earth
Sciences
Minister
responsible: Harsh Vardhan
Director
General: K.J. Ramesh
The IMD is responsible for the weather and climate-related
forecasts in the country. It is also mandated to issue
warning to people about severe weather phenomenon like cyclones, dust storms,
heavy rain and snow, cold and heat waves, among others.
