PARLIAMENT QUESTION: MARINE MINING AND WEATHER FORECASTING

**Executive Summary** This document summarizes the initiatives of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, specifically the Deep Ocean Mission and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with respect to marine mining technology development, weather forecasting and warning dissemination. The Deep Ocean Mission, managed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), aims to harvest polymetallic nodules. The IMD has implemented various technologies and applications to improve weather data reception, forecasts, and warnings. The document was released on December 4, 2023. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Deep Ocean Mission:** * Under the Deep Ocean Mission, the NIOT is developing technology to harvest polymetallic nodules from depths of about 5500 m. * **H-AWOS Installation:** * IMD has installed fifteen unmanned H-AWOS (Heliport Automatic Weather Observing System) at various heliports to display weather parameters on a local PC and disseminate them on the VHF band. * These locations lack an automatic warning system. * **Weather Forecast & Warning Dissemination:** * IMD has undertaken initiatives to improve data reception and dissemination of weather forecasts and warnings. * Dissemination occurs through multiple channels: website, email, SMS, and social media platforms (YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram). * **Mobile Applications:** * IMD has developed mobile applications for weather-related warning dissemination: * MAUSAM App for weather forecasting and warnings * MEGHDOOT App for agro met services * DAMINI App (developed by IITM) for lightning warning * UMANG App (developed by Meity) for weather forecasting and warnings * **CAP Alerts:** * IMD is one of the agencies that generates CAP alerts for severe weather warnings. * CAP alerts are disseminated through SMS and the SACHET app (developed by NDMA). * CAP feeds are used by APPLE, GOOGLE, and GMAS. * **Application Programming Interface (API):** * IMD has developed an API used by public and private organizations. * The API is for the further dissemination of IMD's forecasts and warnings to the general public. * The API enables stakeholders to develop their own media, including mobile apps. **Impact Analysis** **NIOT** * **Impact:** The NIOT is responsible for developing the technology and systems required for the Deep Ocean Mission, specifically for harvesting polymetallic nodules. * **Action Required:** Continued development of technology for harvesting at 5500m depth. **India Meteorological Department (IMD)** * **Impact:** As the primary weather forecasting agency, IMD is impacted by the need to continually improve data reception, forecast accuracy, and warning dissemination. * **Action Required:** Maintain and enhance dissemination methods across various platforms including mobile apps and APIs. **Public and Private Organizations** * **Impact:** These organizations can leverage IMD's API to further disseminate weather forecasts and warnings. * **Action Required:** Utilize the IMD's API to provide weather forecasts and warnings to the public via various media. **General Public** * **Impact:** The public benefits from improved access to weather forecasts and warnings through various channels, including mobile apps and SMS alerts. * **Action Required:** Utilize available resources (mobile apps, SMS alerts, social media) to stay informed about weather conditions and potential hazards. **APPLE, GOOGLE, and GMAS** * **Impact:** These entities use CAP feeds to enhance dissemination of weather-related warnings. * **Action Required:** Continue utilizing CAP feeds from IMD to enhance weather warning dissemination through their platforms.

Key Entities Referenced