Sitharaman Counters TN Govt’s Charge over IMD Weather Prediction
Attacking the DMK government, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has questioned the measures taken by the Tamil Nadu state government when the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall. In a press conference addressing the Centre’s efforts in response to the severe rainfall in southern Tamil Nadu, Sitharaman pointed out that the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, equipped with three dopplers, continuously updates weather conditions every three hours.
Highlighting the capabilities of the state-of-the-art meteorological center, Sitharaman emphasized that forecasts are typically issued every five days in advance, with daily updates on adverse weather conditions. Referring to the heavy rainfall on December 17, Sitharaman revealed that an alert had been issued by the RMC on December 12 itself. This raises questions about whether Chief Minister MK Stalin was adequately informed or whether the forecast was disregarded.
Sitharaman went on to explain that the IMD had predicted heavy to very heavy rains in the four southern districts on December 13 and 14. The forecast was later upgraded to an Orange alert, indicating the expectation of heavy rainfall. Sitharaman’s remarks shed light on how the state government’s alleged inaction contributed to the situation.
Drawing attention to the devastating impact of cyclone ‘Michaung’ earlier this month, Sitharaman highlighted the submergence of numerous micro, small, and medium enterprises in Chennai and neighboring districts due to heavy rainfall. She alleged that the state government failed to take preventive measures despite the lessons learned from the 2015 deluge in Chennai. Now, the Ambattur industrial area continues to struggle with floods, further underscoring the government’s purported lack of action.
The Finance Minister’s statements come as a response to the Tamil Nadu government’s criticism of the IMD’s weather prediction. Sitharaman’s detailed explanation and use of recorded data aim to dispel any doubts around the IMD’s accuracy in forecasting extreme weather events. While the Tamil Nadu government maintains its own responsibility, Sitharaman’s remarks suggest that timely and appropriate action could have mitigated the impact of the heavy rainfall.
This situation raises concerns about the preparedness of local administrations and the need for effective coordination between the state and central governments. As south Tamil Nadu battles the aftermath of heavy rainfall, it remains crucial for authorities to prioritize proactive measures, based on accurate weather predictions, to avoid or minimize potential damage and ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.
In conclusion, Sitharaman’s response to the Tamil Nadu government’s charge regarding IMD weather prediction aims to clarify the advanced forecasting capabilities of the RMC in Chennai and to underscore the alleged lack of action by the state government. While the blame game continues, the focus should shift towards establishing robust mechanisms to respond to weather-related challenges and prevent potential disasters.
