Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

‘Need exists for improved forecasting’

Photo: K. Ananthan.

Informative: Vice-Chancellor of Bharathiar University G. Thiruvasagam (third right) releases the lecture notes of the fourth SERC School on Aviation Meteorology at Air Force Administrative College in Coimbatore on Monday. Air Commodore S. Subramanian (second left), Commandant, AFAC, receives the first copy. —

COIMBATORE: Weather does not only have an impact on aviation, but also on economy, politics and society, G. Thiruvasagam, Vice-Chancellor, Bharathiar University, said here on Monday.

Inaugurating the IV SERC (Science and Engineering Research Council) School on Aviation Meteorology in “Modern Observational Techniques and Nowcasting” at the Air Force Administrative College (AFAC), he expressed concern over the lack of focussed thrust on weather forecasting by public, academicians and also professionals.

“Everybody wakes up only after natural calamities have caused devastation. There is not a fool-proof weather forecasting system that gives correct prediction or warning. We have to put to use the numerous forecasting techniques available to us thanks to technology,” Mr. Thiruvasagam said.

Wing Commander A.P. Serrao, Command Meteorological Officer, Headquarters, Training Command, said that an explosion in air traffic had made forecasting a vital issue. “For the military aviator, the knowledge of meteorology becomes even more critical. Inaccurate forecasting has led to inaccurate landing. There exists a need for improved forecasting. More than forecasting, the present thrust is on nowcasting – forecasting within two hours,” he asserted.

Representatives from various universities, organisations, Indian Meteorological Department, the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, etc., are expected to attend. Air Commodore S. Subramanian, Commandant, AFAC, and Group Captain B.C. Pant, Chief Instructor, Meteorology, AFAC, spoke.

The School, jointly organised by Bharathiar University and AFAC, and sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, would conclude on December 20.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Video recording phone from Virgin mobile
Big TV to increase number of channels
Detained under Goondas Act
Action against building rule violations demanded
Awareness programme
Police seek public opinion to compile road safety plan
Pessimism persists over infrastructure schemes
‘Formation of National SRI Mission will be set in motion’
‘Need exists for improved forecasting’
VCK cadres removed
Coimbatore today

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu