Jammu: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, on Friday described the inauguration of the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Jammu as a significant step towards strengthening weather forecasting, disaster preparedness and public safety across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the minister congratulated the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other stakeholders for establishing the Centre. He said the upgradation of the Meteorological Office Jammu into a full-fledged Regional Meteorological Centre reflects the growing need for specialised weather services in the Himalayan region.
“Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are among the most climatically sensitive and meteorologically complex regions. The establishment of this Centre will help provide accurate, localised and timely weather forecasts that are crucial for protecting lives, supporting livelihoods and strengthening disaster management systems,” he said.
Highlighting the region’s vulnerability to avalanches, flash floods, cloudbursts and other extreme weather events, Sharma said the Centre would provide dedicated expertise in mountain meteorology, cryosphere studies, avalanche forecasting and high-altitude weather services. He noted that the facility would benefit farmers, security forces, tourists, researchers and disaster response agencies.
The minister said improved forecasting and early warning systems would help minimise losses caused by natural disasters and enhance resilience among communities living in vulnerable areas.
Emphasising the role of science and technology in governance, Sharma said the Jammu and Kashmir government remains committed to strengthening scientific institutions and promoting innovation-driven development. He called for greater integration of advanced technologies, data analytics and digital platforms in weather forecasting and public service delivery.
He assured full support from the Jammu and Kashmir administration for the functioning and future expansion of the Centre and expressed confidence that it would emerge as a leading institution for meteorological research, forecasting and climate services in the Himalayan region.
The minister also lauded Union Minister for Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh and the Ministry of Earth Sciences for facilitating the establishment of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu.
During his address, Sharma reiterated the demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying it would strengthen democratic institutions, improve administrative efficiency and enable greater public participation in the developmental process.
He also called for expediting railway connectivity projects in the Jammu region, particularly the proposed Jammu–Akhnoor–Khour corridor and the Kaleeth–Dori Dager rail links. He said improved rail infrastructure would boost tourism, facilitate trade and commerce, enhance connectivity and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
