Mission Mausam to Bolster India’s Climate Resilience

Isha Sharma

In a landmark step toward addressing India’s increasing vulnerability to climate change, the government has launched Mission Mausam in 2024, aiming to fortify the nation’s climate resilience.

The initiative comes as a strategic response to a range of climate-related challenges that India faces, from extreme weather events to rising sea levels.

Reputed leaders have lauded the program, with Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stating, “This mission is a crucial pillar in India’s fight against climate change, focusing not only on immediate needs but on long-term sustainability.”

Mission Mausam to Bolster India’s Climate Resilience

Mission Mausam is a government-led program designed to strengthen India’s defences against climate risks by integrating climate resilience into various sectors such as agriculture, water management, disaster preparedness, and energy. The mission is aligned with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and is set to bolster the country’s ongoing efforts to meet its climate goals.

India’s diverse climate zones face increasing threats due to global warming and environmental degradation. In 2024, the country witnessed more frequent extreme weather events like cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. These challenges prompted the government to introduce Mission Mausam as part of a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported that over 50 million people were affected by climate-related disasters between 2020 and 2023. The frequency of extreme weather events has increased by 30% in the last decade, and more than 70% of India’s coastline is vulnerable to rising sea levels. The 2023 monsoon season saw unprecedented floods across northern states, displacing thousands and causing agricultural losses exceeding ₹10,000 crore.

Mission Mausam aims to reduce these risks by developing resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing early warning systems for extreme weather events. The mission will implement localized solutions that cater to the specific climate challenges of different regions, whether they are coastal areas vulnerable to sea-level rise or drought-prone regions in central India.

Key Objectives of Mission Mausam

The mission has five primary objectives:

1. Strengthen Community-Level Resilience

2. Promote Climate-Adaptive Infrastructure

3. Improve Research on Local Weather Patterns

4. Support Traditional with Modern Innovative Practices like smart irrigation, solar energy, and agroforestry.

5. Foster International Collaboration , including the Paris Agreement and COP28 goals.

The Technological Integration for Climate Resilience ?

The government plans to integrate cutting-edge technologies to monitor, predict, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The use of AI, GIS mapping, and satellite data will play a crucial role in analysing weather patterns, identifying vulnerable areas, and enabling quick responses to natural disasters.

IoT (Internet of Things) devices will be deployed in agriculture and water management to ensure better resource allocation and minimise losses during extreme weather events. Furthermore, renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind power will be promoted to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and curb greenhouse gas emissions.

The Promotion of Eco-Friendly Living and Sustainable Agriculture Practices

As a part of its broader strategy, Mission Mausam will advocate for eco-friendly lifestyles and sustainable farming methods. One of the key areas of focus is promoting organic farming, water conservation, and the use of climate-resilient crops. The government plans to provide farmers with climate-smart agricultural tools that will not only increase yields but also reduce their environmental impact.

The mission will also initiate community-level awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to adopt sustainable living practices, from reducing plastic waste to installing solar panels in homes. These grassroots efforts are expected to foster a culture of environmental stewardship across the country.

Mission Mausam represents a critical step toward building a climate-resilient India. As climate risks continue to escalate, the mission’s success will depend on the active participation of citizens, organisations, and industries. Individuals can contribute by adopting sustainable living practices, while businesses should invest in eco-friendly technologies and processes.

Isha Sharma: A journalism student from Gujarat, Isha combine her passion for storytelling with a love for travel, constantly seeking to uncover new facets of society.

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