Maharashtra Becomes First State to Adopt Bharat Forecast System

Maharashtra has become the first state to adopt the Bharat Forecast System (BharatFS), a high-resolution weather forecasting model developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. The system represents a significant upgrade in forecasting capability with improved spatial resolution and frequency of updates.

The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has partnered with IITM to deploy this system. The initiative is expected to strengthen disaster preparedness and weather-related decision-making across the state.

Key Features of Bharat Forecast System

The Bharat Forecast System provides weather forecasts at a resolution of 6 km x 6 km, compared to the earlier 12 km x 12 km grid. This improved granularity allows more localised forecasting at the gram panchayat and sub-taluka levels.

The system delivers updates every 3 hours, ensuring near real-time weather insights. It covers key parameters such as precipitation, temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, and cloud cover.

Implementation And Institutional Collaboration

The Maharashtra SDMA has signed a memorandum of understanding with IITM to implement the BharatFS. This collaboration aims to enhance disaster response mechanisms through data-driven decision-making.

The system will be integrated with the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and the Geo-Spatial Decision Support System (GeoDSS). This institutional framework ensures that weather information is effectively disseminated to district authorities and local administrative bodies.

Role In Disaster Preparedness and Risk Management

The Bharat Forecast System is expected to improve preparedness for weather-related events such as heat waves, heavy rainfall, floods, storms, and landslides. Frequent and localised data updates enable timely alerts and faster response strategies.

According to officials, the system enhances the ability of authorities to plan evacuations, allocate resources, and mitigate damage. This shift towards high-resolution forecasting aligns with growing climate-related risks and the need for proactive disaster management.

Broader Context and Climate Considerations

The system has been developed under the India Meteorological Department’s Mission Mausam initiative. It supports India’s broader objective of strengthening climate resilience through indigenous technological advancements.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis noted that the impact of El Nino conditions could be more pronounced in regions such as West Vidarbha and Marathwada. This highlights the importance of precise and frequent weather data in addressing region-specific climate challenges.

Read More: Maharashtra To Enforce HSRP Rule From July 1, 2026.

Conclusion

Maharashtra’s adoption of the Bharat Forecast System marks a significant step in modernising weather forecasting and disaster management practices. The enhanced resolution and real-time updates improve the accuracy and usability of weather data at local levels.

Institutional collaboration between SDMA and IITM ensures the effective integration of this system into governance processes. The initiative reflects a data-driven approach to managing climate risks and strengthening resilience across regions.

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