IITM signs MoU with Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) : Establishment of a long term monitoring station of Bharat Climate Observation Network (BCON) over the Himalayan region

**Executive Summary** On 18 June 2026, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a duration of over fifty years. This collaboration, part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences' "Mission Mausam" initiative, establishes a long-term monitoring station at Devasthal under the Bharat Climate Observation Network (BCON). The primary goal is to generate high-precision climate datasets over the Himalayan region to enhance climate change research and evidence-based policy development. **Key Points / Main Content** **Collaboration and Scope** * The MoU was signed via online mode by the Directors of IITM and ARIES on 18 June 2026. * The agreement is valid for a period exceeding fifty years, focusing on long-term atmospheric and climate research. * The partnership is a strategic step under the "Mission Mausam" initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). **Establishment of BCON Monitoring Station** * A dedicated Climate Observation Station will be established at ARIES, Devasthal, a high-altitude site in the Himalayan region. * The station will be part of the Bharat Climate Observation Network (BCON), a national initiative conceptualized and implemented by IITM. * The Devasthal site’s pristine, high-altitude environment is specifically chosen to capture baseline atmospheric features and study the transport of climate-relevant pollutants. **Scientific Monitoring and Data Collection** * The station will monitor meteorological parameters, soil moisture, and atmospheric chemistry. * Specific focus will be placed on climate-active trace gases, including greenhouse gases and short-lived climate forcers. * The initiative aims to create high-quality, high-accuracy climate datasets to support frontline research in India. **Research and Modeling Objectives** * BCON will develop a robust national database to support the detection of long-term climate trends. * The collected data will provide critical validation and benchmarking for Earth System Models (ESM), including India’s first ESM (the IITM ESM). * The collaboration seeks to improve the accuracy of climate change simulations and future climate projections for India. **Impact Analysis** **Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) / IITM** **Impact** The Ministry and IITM strengthen their national climate monitoring framework through the expansion of BCON. This enhances the country's capacity for high-precision climate assessment. **Action Required** IITM must lead the implementation of the BCON station at Devasthal and manage the resulting long-term climate monitoring framework and database. **Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)** **Impact** ARIES, Devasthal, becomes a key strategic location for advanced atmospheric observations, contributing its unique geographical advantages to national climate research. **Action Required** ARIES must facilitate the establishment and operation of the monitoring station at its Devasthal site and collaborate on long-term data collection. **Scientific Community and Policy Makers** **Impact** Researchers gain access to high-accuracy datasets for frontline climate research, while policy makers receive evidence-based insights for more effective environmental policy development. **Action Required** Researchers should utilize the BCON datasets for Earth System Model validation, and policy makers should integrate this high-quality data into future climate assessment strategies.

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